1. An algebraic expression that defines a function is a function rule.
If x is the independent variable and y is the dependent variable, then function notation for y is f(x), read “f of x,” where f names the function. When an equation in two variables describes a function, you can use function notation to write it.

2. The dependent variable is a function of the independent variable.
y is a function of x.
y = f (x)
y = f(x)

3. You can think of a function as an input-output machine.x 2
You can think of a function as an input-output machine. 6
function
f(x)=5x 5x 10 30
output

4. Example 1: Evaluating Functions
Evaluate the function for the given input values.
For f(x) = 3x + 2, find f(x) when x = 7 and when x = –4.
f(x) = 3(x) + 2
f(x) = 3(x) + 2
Substitute
7 for x.
Substitute
–4 for x.
f(7) = 3(7) + 2
f(–4) = 3(–4) + 2 =
Simplify.
Simplify.
= –12 + 2
= 23
= –10

5. Example 2
Evaluate the function for the given input values.
For h(c) = 2c – 1, find h(c) when c = 1 and when c = –3.
h(c) = 2c – 1
h(c) = 2c – 1
h(1) = 2(1) – 1
h(–3) = 2(–3) – 1
= 2 – 1
= –6 – 1
= 1
= –7