1. **Problem:** Find the value of the polynomial $p(x) = 5x - 4x^2 + 3$ at $x = 2$. 2. **Formula:** To find the value of a polynomial at a given $x$, substitute the value into the polynomial and simplify. 3. **Substitution:** $$p(2) = 5(2) - 4(2)^2 + 3$$ 4. **Simplify powers:** $$p(2) = 10 - 4 \times 4 + 3$$ 5. **Multiply:** $$p(2) = 10 - 16 + 3$$ 6. **Add and subtract:** $$p(2) = (10 - 16) + 3 = -6 + 3 = -3$$ 7. **Answer:** The value of $p(x)$ at $x=2$ is $-3$.