To find the value of the function \( y = 3x - 21 \) when \( x = 4 \), we can substitute \( x \) with \( 4 \) in the equation:
\[ y = 3(4) - 21 \]
Now, calculate:
\[ y = 12 - 21 \]
\[ y = -9 \]
So, when \( x = 4 \), the value of \( y \) is \( -9 \).