title: How do I get $(/bin/printf -6) to return -6 and not think -6 is an option
body: <p>I have a bash shell script which has the line:</p>
  
  <pre><code>g=$(/bin/printf ${i})
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>when <code>${i}</code> contains something like <code>-6</code>, <code>printf</code> thinks its being passed an option. It does not recognize the option so produces an error. </p>
  
  <p>if wrap <code>${i}</code> in quotes, <code>printf</code> still thinks its being passed an option. </p>
  
  <pre><code>g=$(/bin/printf "${i}")
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>if I escape the quotes, variable <code>$g</code> then holds "<code>-6</code>" which is not what I want either.</p>
  
  <pre><code>g=$(/bin/printf \"${i}\") 
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Is there away to escape the dash (-).</p>
  
  <p>printf is a BusyBox app</p>