f(x)

"f(x)" is also a: user

created by the_demiurge
(thing) by the_demiurge (2.1 y) (print)   (I like it!) Sat Nov 13 1999 at 9:29:44
The generic function notation. It means that f is a function with x as an independent variable or argument. Pronounced f of x.
(thing) by redhog (6.7 y) (print)   (I like it!) Sat Nov 13 1999 at 9:29:44
Generic function notation. If more than one function is to be used, the second is named g(x) and so on. It means that f is a function with x as an independent variable or argument. More arguments may be inserted inside the brackets, separated by comas. Example: f(x,y). Pronounced eff of ex.
(idea) by Noung (3.6 hr) (print)   (I like it!) Thu Oct 18 2001 at 17:06:24
As mentioned above, f(x) is standard function notation pronounced eff of ex. Let me provide an example of its usage -

The line below is our "function definition", if you will.

f(x) = 2x + x2

So, f(x) is two x plus x squared. Simple enough. Now we've defined that function, what if we want to put a value into it and work out the answer? We write it like this -

f(2) = (2 * 2) + 22
f(2) = 4 + 4
f(2) = 8

Function notation is very handy in a lot of math work, especially that involving graphs. See Common graph shifts and stretches.

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