The problem involves finding the operation that goes in the blank spaces. The pattern appears to be involving a sequence of operations.

Let's break it down:

1. First Step: $13 \_ (-3)$

   • Possible operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication ($\times$), division ($\div$).

2. Second Step: (?) 5

   • Continue with the operation applied from the first step.

3. Third Step: 2

   • Again, continue with the operation applied from the previous steps.

Now, let's try each operation:

• Addition: $13 + (-3) = 10$ $10 + 5 = 15$ $15 + 2 = 17$ This yields $17$.

• Subtraction: $13 - (-3) = 16$ $16 - 5 = 11$ $11 - 2 = 9$ This yields $9$.

• Multiplication: $13 \times (-3) = -39$ $-39 \times 5 = -195$ $-195 \times 2 = -390$ This yields $-390$.

• Division: $13 \div (-3) \approx -4.33$ $-4.33 \div 5 \approx -0.87$ $-0.87 \div 2 \approx -0.435$ This yields $-0.435$.

Conclusion:

The only operation that makes sense with these numbers is addition. So, the operations are addition (+).

The expression is: $13 + (-3) + 5 + 2 = 17$

Do you want any further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. What happens if you apply different operations between the numbers?
2. Can you explain the distributive property of multiplication over addition?
3. What is the result if you change the order of operations?
4. How do different signs (positive and negative) affect addition and subtraction?
5. How do you handle operations involving fractions or decimals?

Tip: When solving a sequence of operations, always check the effect of each operation step by step to avoid errors.