Exploring Function Notation and Evaluation

To simplify complex equations

To eliminate the need for variables

To provide a new way to represent functions

To replace the variable x

The independent variable

The output value

The name of the function

The input variable

f(x) is the same as y in traditional notation

f(x) indicates multiplication of f and x

f(x) depends on the independent variable x

Different letters can be used to name functions

f(4) = 4 + 2

f(4) = 3 + 2

f(4) = 3(4) + 2

f(4) = 3x + 2

12

8

10

-2

8

12

4

16

h(0) = -2(0 - 4)^2 + 3

h(0) = -2(4)^2 + 3

h(0) = -2(0) + 3

h(0) = -2(0 - 4) + 3

6

8

14

2

4

1

3

2

Replace x with any symbol or variable

Simplify all equations

Replace x with any number

Eliminate the need for variables