Given f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1, find f(-2).

Solution

Precalculus · Easy

Step 1: Write the function.

f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1

We need to find f(-2), so substitute -2 for every x in the function.

Step 2: Substitute x = -2.

f(-2) = 2(-2)^2 - 3(-2) + 1

Step 3: Evaluate the exponent.

(-2)^2 = 4

So:
f(-2) = 2(4) - 3(-2) + 1

Step 4: Perform the multiplication.

2(4) = 8
-3(-2) = 6

Therefore:
f(-2) = 8 + 6 + 1

Step 5: Add the terms.

f(-2) = 15

Therefore, f(-2) = 15.

Result

f(-2) = 15