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