Question

If \[\;p(x) = {x^2} - 5x - 6\]; find the value of \[p(3)\].

Answer 1

Hint: Replace the value of $x$ with 3.

We have the given equation as
\[\;p(x) = {x^2} - 5x - 6\]
Putting the value of $x = 3$ on both LHS as well as RHS, we get
\[ \Rightarrow p(3) = {3^2} - 5 \times 3 - 6\]
On further solving, we get
\[ \Rightarrow p(3) = 9 - 15 - 6\]
\[ \Rightarrow p(3) = - 12\]
So, this is the required solution.

Note: In solving these types of questions, simply put the given values of the variable and calculate the required values to obtain the solution.