To solve the polynomial [tex]\( P(x) = x^2 + 2x + 1.5 \)[/tex] for [tex]\( x = 3 \)[/tex]:
1. Substitute the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] into the polynomial:
[tex]\( P(3) = (3)^2 + 2(3) + 1.5 \)[/tex]
2. Calculate the square and the products:
- [tex]\( (3)^2 = 9 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( 2(3) = 6 \)[/tex]
3. Add these values together along with the constant term:
[tex]\( 9 + 6 + 1.5 = 16.5 \)[/tex]
Thus, the value of [tex]\( P(3) \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 16.5 \)[/tex].
