Question

I’m not sure how to start .... I think it has something to do with plugging in x???

Answer 1

p(-1) = 3 and p(5) = 20

Explanation:

p(x) is given as "piece-wise function".

So, depending on the value of x, we will use difference expression for the same function and have different values.

• When x is LESS THAN or EQUAL to 4, we will use the "top" expression of the function p(x).
• When x is GREATER THAN 4, we will use the "bottom" expression of the function p(x).

Since, we want to evaluate x = -1 first, we know -1 < 4, so we use the "top" one:

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

That is 3

Now,

we want to evaluate x = 5, since 5 > 4, we will use "bottom" expression, so we have:

`2x+10=2(5)+10=20`

The answer is 20

The third answer choice is right.