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Function notation (f(x))

Grade 8 · Math · Free lesson

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In math, we often use function notation, written as f(x). To understand this idea, we must evaluate details in the text to find the main message. The key idea here is that f(x) is just a special name for our old friend, the y-value.

a and b

Think of a function like a magic input-output machine. We put a number in, the machine does some math, and a new number pops out. We write the input inside the parentheses, like the x in f(x).

Input (x) Output f(x)

If you ever feel confused, you should monitor your comprehension and make adjustments. If a math problem looks tricky, try re-reading it slowly or use your background knowledge about simple algebra rules to help you solve it.

f(5) = ? Think: "What is the output?"
✏️ Worked example

Let's evaluate a function together! If our function is f(x) = 2x + 3, find the value of f(5).

  1. First, monitor your comprehension. Read the problem and identify what you need to find. Here, we need to find the output when the input is 5.
  2. Next, use your background knowledge of algebra. The notation f(5) means we will replace every 'x' in our equation with the number 5.
  3. Substitute 5 into the rule: f(5) = 2(5) + 3.
  4. Multiply 2 by 5 to get 10. The equation becomes: f(5) = 10 + 3.
  5. Add 10 and 3 to get 13. So, f(5) = 13.
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