an ion of an element has 42 protons, 44 neutrons, 43 electrons. what is its charge and how did you make that determination?

The charge on an ion is determined by the protons and electrons. Neutrons have nothing to do with it.

Rule 1: If there are more electrons than protons, the charge is minus. Make sure you know what what more than means and what charge electrons have.

Rule 2: if there are more protons than electrons, the charge is plus.

There are 42 protons and 43 electrons. The charge is 1 minus.