1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the quadratic expression $x^2 + 5x + 9$ for $x = 2$. 2. **Recall the formula:** The expression is a quadratic polynomial in $x$. 3. **Substitute the value:** Replace $x$ with 2 in the expression: $$2^2 + 5 \times 2 + 9$$ 4. **Calculate step-by-step:** - $2^2 = 4$ - $5 \times 2 = 10$ - Sum all terms: $4 + 10 + 9 = 23$ 5. **Final answer:** The value of the expression when $x=2$ is $23$.