Using the piecewise function below, evaluate $$$f\left(-1\right)$

• A. $-4$
• B. $4$
• C. $\pm \sqrt{3}$
• D. $2$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. First, identify the piecewise function given in the image. The function f(x) is defined as follows: f(x) = 4 if x < 3, f(x) = x^2 - 3 if 3 ≤ x < 8, and f(x) = x^3 if x ≥ 8.
2. Determine which piece of the function to use for evaluating f(-1). Since -1 is less than 3, we use the first piece of the function, which is f(x) = 4.
3. Substitute x = -1 into the first piece of the function. Since this piece is a constant function, f(-1) = 4.
4. The evaluation of f(-1) using the piecewise function is straightforward because it falls into the range where the function is constant.
5. Thus, the value of f(-1) is 4, according to the piecewise definition provided.