Answer:
b. Square -2
Step-by-step explanation:
You want to know the first step in evaluating 1/2 |2x² - 3| for x = -2.
The Order of Operations tells you the first step is to evaluate expressions inside the innermost grouping symbols. Here, that means you want to evaluate the expression 2x² - 3.
Once you have identified that expression, you start by evaluating terms with exponents. That term here is x². When x=-2, the first step is to square -2.
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Additional comment
After you get x² = 4, then you evaluate the product 2(4) = 8, and then the difference 8 -3 = 5. Then the absolute value is determined |5| = 5, and finally the product with 1/2: (1/2)(5) = 5/2.
The correct option is option b. It can be obtained by following the order of operation BODMAS.
What is the order of operation?
To solve any mathematical expression, the BODMAS rule is used. The full form of BODMAS is Bracket Order DIvision Multiplication Addition Subtraction. It can be simplified as, to solve the mathematica expression first open all brackets, then powers, then division, then multiplication, then addition, and finally subtraction.
Now, consider the following expression:
1/2 |2x² - 3|
Now, substitute -2 for x in the above expression.
1/2 |2(-2)² - 3|
In the above expression there is no bracket hence the next step is solve power of -2.
Hence, the first step of solving the above expression is square -2.
Hence, the correct option is b. It can be obtained by following the order of operation BODMAS.
Learn more about BODMAS from the following link:
https://brainly.com/question/24383445
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