Question

Evaluate the function.ula1" title="f(x) = - x^{2} - 7x - 5" alt="f(x) = - x^{2} - 7x - 5" align="absmiddle" class="latex-formula">
Find
$f( - 5)$
​

Answer 1

Answer:  5

===================================================

Explanation:

Everywhere you see an x, replace it with -5. Then use the order of operations PEMDAS to simplify

$f(x) = -x^2 - 7x - 5\\\\f(-5) = -(-5)^2 - 7(-5) - 5\\\\f(-5) = -(25) - 7(-5) - 5\\\\f(-5) = -25 + 35 - 5\\\\f(-5) = 10 - 5\\\\f(-5) = 5$

Keep in mind that for the x^2 term, you are squaring all of x = -5, which includes the negative as well. So that means

x^2 = (-5)^2 = (-5)*(-5) = 25

but sticking a negative out front makes

-x^2 = -(-5)^2 = -25