To evaluate $f(x) = 3x - 5$ at $x = -1$, $x = 0$, and $x = 3$, let's substitute each value of $x$ into the function and calculate:

1. When $x = -1$: $f(-1) = 3(-1) - 5 = -3 - 5 = -8$

2. When $x = 0$: $f(0) = 3(0) - 5 = 0 - 5 = -5$

3. When $x = 3$: $f(3) = 3(3) - 5 = 9 - 5 = 4$

So, the answers are:

• When $x = -1$, $f(x) = -8$.
• When $x = 0$, $f(x) = -5$.
• When $x = 3$, $f(x) = 4$.

Would you like a detailed explanation of how each substitution works, or do you have further questions?

Here are some additional questions to deepen your understanding:

1. How would $f(x)$ change if the function was $f(x) = 3x + 5$ instead of $3x - 5$?
2. What happens to $f(x)$ when $x$ is a large positive number, like $x = 100$?
3. What would $f(x)$ be if $x$ were a fraction, say $x = \frac{1}{2}$?
4. How does changing the coefficient of $x$ affect the slope of the function?
5. Can you graph $f(x) = 3x - 5$ and describe its behavior?

Tip: When working with linear functions, remember that the coefficient of $x$ is the slope, which tells you how steep the line is.