Question

3x - 8 if x = -2

Explanation:

Step1: Substitute \( x = -2 \) into the expression

We have the expression \( 3x - 8 \). Substitute \( x = -2 \) into it, so we get \( 3\times(-2) - 8 \).

Step2: Calculate the multiplication

First, calculate \( 3\times(-2) \). According to the rule of multiplying a positive number by a negative number, the result is negative. So \( 3\times(-2)= -6 \). Now the expression becomes \( -6 - 8 \).

Step3: Calculate the subtraction

Calculate \( -6 - 8 \). When subtracting a positive number from a negative number, we can think of it as adding the absolute values and keeping the negative sign. So \( -6 - 8 = - (6 + 8)= -14 \).

Answer:

\( -14 \)