1. **State the problem:** We are given a piecewise function: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} 2x + 3, & \text{if } x \leq 3 \\ x - 5, & \text{if } x > 3 \end{cases}$$ We need to find the value of $f(3)$. 2. **Identify which piece to use:** Since $x=3$ and the condition for the first piece is $x \leq 3$, we use the first piece: $$f(x) = 2x + 3$$ 3. **Substitute $x=3$ into the first piece:** $$f(3) = 2(3) + 3$$ 4. **Calculate the value:** $$f(3) = 6 + 3 = 9$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{9}$$ This means the function value at $x=3$ is 9, using the first piece of the piecewise function.