What is a function?

A function is a set of mathematical operations performed on one or more inputs (variables) that results in an output. For now, functions will take one or more real numbers as an input, and return a numerical output. In more advanced classes you'll learn about far more complex functions! However, a simple function might return the input plus one. Such a function would look like:

In this case, X in the input value, and Y is the output (this is a common convention). By putting any number in for X, we calculate a corresponding output Y by simply adding one. The set of possible input values is known as the domain, while the set of possible outputs is known as the range.

Here are two more examples of what functions look like:

Let's examine the first example. In the function \(y = 3x - 2\), the variable y represents the function of whatever inputs appear on the other side of the equation. In other words, y is a function of x. Because of that, we sometimes see the function written in this form:

What does f(x) mean?

That means just the same as y= in front of an equation. Since there's really no significance to y, and it's just an arbitrary letter that represents the output of the function, sometimes it will be written as f(x) to indicate the the expression is a function of x. Note that you'll also see it written as g(x), h(x), and so forth, but f(x) is the most common because function starts with the letter f.

What does it mean to evaluate a function?

To evaluate a function means to pick different values for the input (often named x) in order to find the output (often named y). In terms of evaluation, for every choice of x that you pick, only one corresponding value of y will be the end result. You'll often be directed to evaluate a particular function for a certain value of x. That means just plug in that value for x and see what you get, like below:

Example

Evaluate for x=2:

Solution:

We have our function already solved for y, and we need to just plug in x=2 to evaluate the function at that point.

Can there be more than one possible answer?

No. A function is a unique mapping from the domain (the inputs) to the range (the outputs). There can only be one output for any input. There can, however, be many inputs which give the same output (consider y=4+0*x).

What is a one-to-one function?

A one-to-one function has a stricter definition than a regular function. Not only does each input map to one and only one output, but each output maps back to one and only one input.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

Independent variables are the inputs -- we can pick them, so they're independent of the function itself. Dependent variables are the outputs -- they depend on the function and your selection of the inputs (independent variables).

Often these terms can be difficult to understand in the context of a simple math equation, like y=2x. Afterall, we could solve the equation for x and call it the dependent variable if we wished. That's because it's a one-to-one function. However, the terminology may make more sense when viewed as part of a larger problem, especially one involving physical quantities. For instance, if we're calculating the price of a tank of gas, the total price would be dependent on the number of gallons purchased, which is independently chosen by the driver.

Just remember that the independent variable is the one you choose (the input) -- the dependent variable is the result of the function (the output, or the answer).

More complicated functions

Not everything will look like \(y=4x\) or \(f(x) = 3 - x\)

What about polynomial functions? Polynomial functions are functions that can be written when combining coefficients, variables and exponents. Look over these polynomial functions:

Each of the above is a function. Even the first example, which doesn't have a y= or a f(x) can be considered a function -- it has an input value (x) and an output value (the answer you get when you evaluate it for a particular x). They each have independent and dependent variables, and they each have a domain and range.

Still lost? Consider asking your question about functions on the algebra section of our message board.