Function Notation
Evaluating Functions
Example 2
Given f(x) = x2 + 2x - 1, find f(-3).
Step 1. Eliminate the input value "x" and replace it with parentheses.
f() = ()2 + 2() - 1
Step 2. Place the input value of -3 inside the parentheses.
f(-3) = (-3)2 + 2(-3) - 1
Step 3. Simplify the right side of the equation.
f(-3) = 9 - 6 - 1