Rewrite the function as $h(-1)=5(-1+1)(-1-4)$ before simplifying. Do not skip writing the parentheses.

After you simplify $-1+1$ and $-1-4$, check whether any factor becomes $0$. What happens to a product if one of its factors is $0$?

In Desmos, type h(x)=5(x+1)(x-4) on a new line so Desmos defines the function $h$.

On the next line, type h(-1) or, alternatively, add a table for $h(x)$ and enter -1 in the $x$-column. Look at the corresponding output; that $y$-value is $h(-1)$.

The expression $h(-1)$ means "evaluate the function $h$ when $x=-1$." So we replace every $x$ in the formula $h(x)=5(x+1)(x-4)$ with $-1$.

Write

Now simplify inside the parentheses:

• $-1+1=0$
• $-1-4=-5$

So we get

Any product that includes a factor of $0$ is $0$, no matter what the other factors are. Since $5\cdot 0\cdot(-5)$ has a $0$ factor, the value of $h(-1)$ is $0$. The correct answer is C) $0$.