Anumber increased by negative four is equal to seventeen. which equation could be used to find the number?
a.4 - n = 17
b. n + (-4) = 17
c. n - (-4) = 17
d. n + 4 = 17

So,

We can "translate" this sentence into mathematical form.

"A number"
n

"increased by negative four"
-4 or + (-4)

"is equal to seventeen."
= 17

So it can be either n - 4 = 17 or n + (-4) = 17.  It can also by -4 + n = 17, etc.

Clearly, option B is the only one that qualifies as an accurate "translation" of our sentence.