You just substitute the value of x in the given equation:
f(x) = 2x^2 - 5
f(-4) = 2 (-4)^2 -5 = 27
f(x) : a name given to the equation
f(-4): refer to the equation when the value of the independent variable x has the value between the brackets.
When simplified, y=2(x+4)+5 equals y=2x+13
An expression is just like an equation but without the equal sign.