1. The problem asks to find the value of the expression $5x^2 + 2x - 3$ when $x = -1$. 2. The formula is given: $5x^2 + 2x - 3$. We substitute $x = -1$ into the expression. 3. Substitute and calculate step-by-step: $$5(-1)^2 + 2(-1) - 3$$ 4. Calculate the square: $$5(1) + 2(-1) - 3$$ 5. Multiply: $$5 - 2 - 3$$ 6. Simplify by combining terms: $$5 - 2 - 3 = (5 - 2) - 3 = 3 - 3 = 0$$ 7. Therefore, the value of the expression when $x = -1$ is $0$. The correct answer is option c. 0.