1. The problem asks us to evaluate the function $f(x) = -4x + 9$ at $x = -2$. 2. The formula for evaluating a function at a given value is to substitute the value of $x$ into the function expression. 3. Substitute $x = -2$ into the function: $$f(-2) = -4(-2) + 9$$ 4. Simplify the multiplication: $$f(-2) = 8 + 9$$ 5. Add the terms: $$f(-2) = 17$$ 6. Therefore, the value of the function at $x = -2$ is 17.