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

1 Answer
Mar 24, 2018

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