need help solving a function inequality question

Hello,

f(-2) means that we search the image of x = -2

Then, you see the inequalities, and x=-2 is smaller than 1 (-2 <1), so to solve this, you should choose the first analytical expression of the function, because the first expression of the function is "used" for the x<1.

Finally, f(x) = 3x^2-1, x<1

and f(-2) = 3*(-2)^2 -1= (3*4) -1=12 -1 = 11