Question

How do you evaluate the function `p(x)=1/2x^3 + 2/3x^2 - 1/4x + 1/3` for `p(-2)`?

Answer 1

`p(-2)=1/2(-2)^3+2/3(-2)^2-1/4(-2)+1/3`
`=1/2(-8)+2/3(4)+2/4+1/3`
`=-8/2+8/3+2/4+1/3`
`=-4+(8/3+1/3)+1/2`
`=-4+9/3+1/2`
`=-4+3+1/2`
`=-1+1/2`
`=-2/2+1/2`
`=(-2+1)/2`
`=-1/2`

Explanation:

Just put the `x=-2` on the polynomial equation and you will simplify and you will get `p(-2)=-1/2`