1. The problem is to evaluate the expression $2x^2 + 5x - 2$ when $x = -3$. 2. The formula given is a quadratic expression: $2x^2 + 5x - 2$. 3. Substitute $x = -3$ into the expression: $$2(-3)^2 + 5(-3) - 2$$ 4. Calculate the square term first: $$2 \times 9 + 5(-3) - 2$$ 5. Multiply: $$18 - 15 - 2$$ 6. Perform the addition and subtraction from left to right: $$18 - 15 = 3$$ $$3 - 2 = 1$$ 7. Therefore, the value of the expression when $x = -3$ is $1$.