Question

find f(-4) for this piecewise-defined function.
\\( f(x) = \

$$\begin{cases} 2x - 6 & \\text{if } x < 1 \\\\ -2x - 3 & \\text{if } 1 \\leq x \\leq 4 \\\\ 6 & \\text{if } x > 4 \\end{cases}$$

\\)
write your answer as an integer or as a fraction in simplest form.
\\( f(-4) = \square \\)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the applicable function

Check which condition \( x = -4 \) satisfies. Since \( -4 < 1 \), we use \( f(x)=2x - 6 \).

Step2: Substitute \( x = -4 \)

Substitute \( x=-4 \) into \( 2x - 6 \): \( 2(-4)-6 \).

Step3: Calculate the result

First, \( 2(-4)=-8 \), then \( -8 - 6=-14 \).

Answer:

\( -14 \)