Function Notation

Function Notation (Section 1.1)

Definition: a "name" or "label" given to a specific equation so that it can be easily referenced

Why Function Notation? Function Notation provides you with more flexibility in your equation; you can use more than one function at a time without mixing up equations, and also, it is usefully explanatory.

• F = name of the function 
• F(x) = output value at input value of x
• Input = independent variable 
• Output = dependent variable

F(x) is the value of "f" at "x" or "f" of "x".

F(x) is the same as the y coordinate.

Example

1. Evaluate f(x) = 3 - 2x when f(-1) and f(0).

Step 1: plug in -1 for every x variable

• f(-1)= 3 - 2(-1) 

Step 2: Solve

• f(-1) = 3 - 2(-1) 
• f(-1) = 5

Hint: Other names can be given to equations such as: g(x) or q(t) 

Example

2. What does the function notation g(8) represent? 

Answer: the output of the function "g" when the input is "8"