Question

Which function should be used when evaluating the function at x = -2? p(x) = {(3x^2 - 5x + 2 if x < -4), (2x^2 - 7x + 1 if x > -4)}.

Answer 1

When evaluating p(x) at x = -2, the correct function expression to use is 2x^2 - 7x + 1, since -2 is greater than -4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about which part of the piecewise function p(x) to use when evaluating at x = -2. As per the definition of the function provided, there are two expressions. The first expression, 3x2 - 5x + 2, is used when x is less than -4, and the second expression, 2x2 - 7x + 1, is used when x is greater than -4. Since -2 is greater than -4, the correct expression to use for evaluating p(-2) is the second one: 2x2 - 7x + 1.