Evaluating Functions
Functions let you calculate output values when you know the inputs. To evaluate a function, simply substitute the given input value for x in the function rule.
For example, with f(x) = 3x - 4, finding f(2) means replacing x with 2: f(2) = 3(2) - 4 = 6 - 4 = 2. This process works for any function, whether it's linear, quadratic, or more complex.
Real-world relationships can be analyzed to determine if they're functions. A key question to ask: "Can each input have multiple outputs?" If yes, it's not a function. For example, a person can have multiple phone numbers, so the relationship between people and phone numbers isn't a function.
Remember: When deciding if a real-world situation represents a function, think about whether each input value (like a person) can correspond to more than one output value (like multiple phone numbers).
Functions are powerful tools for modeling practical situations. They help us understand how changes in one variable affect another, making them essential for describing everything from phone bills to population growth.