Final answer:
To evaluate the polynomial function, substitute the value into the function and simplify. In this case, P(-5) = 128.
Step-by-step explanation:
To evaluate the polynomial function at the given value, substitute the value into the function and simplify. In this case, we want to find P(-5) if P(x) = 3x^2 - 9x + 8.
Replacing x with -5, we get P(-5) = 3(-5)^2 - 9(-5) + 8.
Simplifying further, P(-5) = 3(25) + 45 + 8 = 75 + 45 + 8 = 128.