To find the value of the expression when m = -2, just plug -2 in for the variable m.
m^2 - 7m - 8 changes to -2^2 - 7(-2) - 8 when you plug in the value.
First, solve the exponent.
-2^2 = -4
-4 - 7(-2) - 8
Then, multiply.
7 • -2 = -14
-4 - (-14) - 8
Now, simplify.
-4 - (-14) can be rewritten as -4 + 14, since a "double negative" changes to a single positive.
-4 + 14 - 8
Now solve by adding and subtracting from left to right.
-4 + 14 = 10
10 - 8 = 2
The answer to this question is that the expression equals 2 when m is -2.
Hope this helps!