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4.1: Function Notation

  • Page ID
    40914
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    The notation for a function is generally the \(f(x)\) notation. In learning about graphing in algebra we typically use the \(x\) and \(y\) notation, that is: \(y=6 x-1\) In function notation, the dependent variable \(y\) is replaced by the notation \(f(x):\)
    \[
    f(x)=6 x-1
    \]
    Function values for particular values of the independent variable \(x\) can be found
    by substituting the appropriate \(x\) value into the formula.
    \[
    \begin{array}{c}
    f(9)=6(9)-1=53 \\
    f(9)=53
    \end{array}
    \]

    Find each of the following values for the given functions:
    \(f(0) \quad f(-1) \quad f(3) \quad f\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) \quad f(x+2) \quad f(x+h)\)
    1) \(\quad f(x)=2 x^{2}-3 x+1\)
    2) \(\quad f(x)=5 x^{2}+x-7\)
    3) \(\quad f(x)=\frac{x}{x^{2}-1}\)
    4) \(\quad f(x)=\frac{x+3}{x^{2}+1}\)


    This page titled 4.1: Function Notation is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Richard W. Beveridge.

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