4.1: Function Notation
- Page ID
- 40914
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) \(\quad f(x)=\frac{x+3}{x^{2}+1}\)