What sign to consider when the question ask us at the end to solve a+b

I need clarification regarding a question in the algebraic expression simplification exercise. The last question states that we should add (a + b) without considering the signs (negative or positive). However, in a previous arithmetic lesson, we included the signs for the solved values of (a) and (b). Should we disregard the signs in this case, or do we need to consider them?

Share an example/screenshot - don’t know what you’re referring to.