Question

I need some help with this math problem. I've had it explained to me two different ways. If x= -3 then what would be the answer to x^2 + 5 = ? My teacher says it is 14 but then someone else mentioned that order of operations says that the answer is -4. Help!!

Answer 1

Answer:

The square root of x will be evaluated first before the addition of 5. Hence (-3)^2 = 9 and 9 +5 = 14, as per your teacher's answer, which is correct. The answer would not be -4.

Answer 2

$\text{You have to solve by plugging in -3 to x:}\\\\(-3)^2+5\\\\\text{Solve:}\\\\(-3)^2+5\\\\9+5\\\\\boxed{14}\\\\\text{Your answer would be 14. The teacher is correct}$