Let's break down the expression:

$17 + (-8) + (-8)$

1. First, add $17$ and $-8$: $17 + (-8) = 9$

2. Then, add the result $9$ to the next $-8$: $9 + (-8) = 1$

So, the final result is: $1$

Would you like more details on how to approach similar problems, or do you have any other questions?

Here are five related questions:

1. What is the result of $20 + (-15) + 5$?
2. How do you simplify an expression with multiple negative numbers?
3. What is the result of $12 + (-9) + (-2)$?
4. How do you deal with the subtraction of negative numbers?
5. What happens when you add a positive and negative number with the same absolute value?

Tip: When adding numbers with the same sign (both positive or both negative), simply add their absolute values and keep the sign.