1. **State the problem:** Find the sum of $6$ and $-17$. 2. **Recall the rule for adding integers:** When adding a positive number and a negative number, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and take the sign of the number with the larger absolute value. 3. **Apply the rule:** $$6 + (-17) = -(17 - 6)$$ 4. **Calculate the difference:** $$17 - 6 = 11$$ 5. **Determine the sign:** Since $17$ is larger and negative, the result is negative. 6. **Final answer:** $$6 + (-17) = -11$$