Final answer:
To solve for a when f(x) = -2, we substitute f(x) = -2 into the given equation, solve for c, and then substitute c = -1 into the equation to solve for a.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve for a when f(x) = -2 given f(c) = -x - 3, we substitute f(x) = -2 into the equation. It becomes: -2 = -c - 3.
Solving for c, we add 3 to both sides: -2 + 3 = -c. Simplifying, we get: 1 = -c.
Finally, to solve for a, we substitute c = -1 into the equation f(c) = -x - 3. It becomes: f(-1) = -x - 3.