16. Given the piecewise function f(x) = f(x)= ) 2x-4&xleqslant -2 7x+1&xgt -2 evaluate f(-3) a. 2 b. -10 C. -20 d. -10 and -20

To evaluate \( f(-3) \), we need to determine which part of the piecewise function applies when \( x = -3 \).<br /><br />The given piecewise function is:<br /><br />\[<br />f(x) =<br />\begin{cases} <br />2x - 4 & \text{if } x \leq -2, \\<br />7x + 1 & \text{if } x > -2.<br />\end{cases}<br />\]<br /><br />### Step 1: Determine which condition applies<br />Since \( -3 \leq -2 \), the first case (\( 2x - 4 \)) applies.<br /><br />### Step 2: Substitute \( x = -3 \) into \( 2x - 4 \)<br />\[<br />f(-3) = 2(-3) - 4<br />\]<br />\[<br />f(-3) = -6 - 4<br />\]<br />\[<br />f(-3) = -10<br />\]<br /><br />### Final Answer:<br />The value of \( f(-3) \) is \( -10 \).<br /><br />**Correct option: b. \( -10 \)**