Let's calculate the value of $f(4.5)$ using the given expression $f(4.5) = 2(4.5) - 1$.

$f(4.5) = 2(4.5) - 1$

First, multiply:

$2(4.5) = 9$

Then, subtract 1:

$f(4.5) = 9 - 1 = 8$

So, $f(4.5) = 8$.

Would you like any further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this concept:

1. How would you calculate $f(2)$ using the same function rule?
2. What is the slope of the function $f(x) = 2x - 1$?
3. What is the y-intercept of the function $f(x) = 2x - 1$?
4. How would the graph of $f(x) = 2x - 1$ look like?
5. What happens to the function value as $x$ increases?

Tip: Understanding the structure of linear functions can help in quickly evaluating values for different $x$.