To find the value of the function \( f \) at \( x = 5 \), we need to look at the table and find the corresponding function value. Here is the table for reference:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
x & f(x) \\
\hline
-4 & -2 \\
\hline
-1 & 5 \\
\hline
3 & 4 \\
\hline
5 & -8 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
We need to locate the row where \( x = 5 \) and find the corresponding value of \( f(x) \):
- For \( x = -4 \), \( f(x) = -2 \)
- For \( x = -1 \), \( f(x) = 5 \)
- For \( x = 3 \), \( f(x) = 4 \)
- For \( x = 5 \), \( f(x) = -8 \)
From the table, we see that when \( x = 5 \), \( f(x) = -8 \).
Therefore, \( f(5) = -8 \).
The correct answer is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{-8}
\][/tex]