Evaluating the function

Definition

Evaluating the function means finding the output value of a function for a given input value. It involves substituting the input value into the function's equation and simplifying.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. To evaluate a function, substitute the given input (x) into the function equation.
2. The notation f(x) represents the output of the function f for an input x.
3. Functions can be evaluated at specific points to determine their behavior or solve real-world problems.
4. Evaluating functions often requires understanding algebraic manipulation, such as combining like terms and using order of operations.
5. Graphically, evaluating a function corresponds to finding the y-coordinate on the graph for a specific x-coordinate.

Review Questions

• What is the result of evaluating f(x) = 2x + 3 when x = 4?
• How do you evaluate a quadratic function like f(x) = x^2 - 5x + 6 at x = -1?
• What does it mean to evaluate a piecewise function at different intervals?

Related terms

Function: A relation between inputs and outputs where each input is related to exactly one output.

Domain: The set of all possible input values (x-values) for which a function is defined.

Range: The set of all possible output values (y-values) that result from using the domain in a function.