1. The problem is to calculate the difference between pairs of integers, including positive and negative numbers. 2. The formula for subtracting integers is: $$a - b = a + (-b)$$ which means subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite. 3. Important rule: subtracting a negative number is the same as adding the positive equivalent. 4. Let's solve the first problem step-by-step: $$(-13) - (-17)$$ 5. Rewrite subtraction as addition of the opposite: $$(-13) + 17$$ 6. Calculate: $$-13 + 17 = 4$$ 7. Final answer: $$(-13) - (-17) = 4$$