Function Notation Practice Problems & Exercises f(x)

Master function notation with step-by-step practice problems. Learn f(x) notation, function naming conventions, and variable dependencies through guided exercises.

📚Master Function Notation Through Targeted Practice
  • Identify and write proper function notation using f(x) and y formats
  • Understand the meaning of independent variables in function expressions
  • Convert between different function notation styles and naming conventions
  • Recognize function dependency relationships and variable connections
  • Apply function notation rules to solve real-world mathematical problems
  • Build confidence in reading and interpreting mathematical function symbols

Understanding Notation of a Function

Complete explanation with examples

The notation of a function actually refers to determining the "name" of the function.

It is customary to symbolize a function using letters from the Latin alphabet when the two most common notations are:

  • yy
  • f(x)f(x)

(Of course, similar notations can also be used).

The - inside parentheses expresses that it is an independent variable of the function and the function's dependency ( or ) on it. xx,yy,ff

Notation of a Function

Detailed explanation

Practice Notation of a Function

Test your knowledge with 12 quizzes

Which of the following equations corresponds to the function represented in the graph?

–8–8–8–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444000

Examples with solutions for Notation of a Function

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Determine whether the following table represents a function

XY-1015811

Step-by-Step Solution

It is important to remember that a constant function describes a situation where as the X value increases, the function value (Y) remains constant.

In the table, we can observe that there is a constant change in X values, meaning an increase of 1, and a constant change in Y values, meaning an increase of 3

Therefore, according to the rule, the table describes a function.

Answer:

Yes

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Determine whether the data in the following table represent a constant function

XY012348

Step-by-Step Solution

It is important to remember that a constant function describes a situation where as the X value increases, the function value (Y) remains constant.

In the table, we can observe that there is a constant change in X values, meaning an increase of 1, and a non-constant change in Y values - sometimes increasing by 1 and sometimes by 4

Therefore, according to the rule, the table does not describe a function

Answer:

No

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Determine whether the following table represents a constant function:

XY02468-3-3-3-3-3

Step-by-Step Solution

It is important to remember that a constant function describes a situation where, as the X value increases, the Y value remains constant.

In the table, we can see that there is a constant change in the X values, specifically an increase of 2, while the Y value remains constant.

Therefore, the table does indeed describe a constant function.

Answer:

Yes, it does

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Is the given graph a function?

–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333000

Step-by-Step Solution

It is important to remember that a function is an equation that assigns to each element in domain X one and only one element in range Y

Let's note that in the graph:

f(0)=2,f(0)=2 f(0)=2,f(0)=-2

In other words, there are two values for the same number.

Therefore, the graph is not a function.

Answer:

No

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Determine whether the given graph is a function?

–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333000

Step-by-Step Solution

It is important to remember that a function is an equation that assigns to each element in domain X one and only one element in range Y

We should note that for every X value found on the graph, there is one and only one corresponding Y value.

Therefore, the graph is indeed a function.

Answer:

Yes

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is function notation and why do we use f(x)?

+
Function notation is a way to 'name' and represent functions using symbols like f(x) or y. The f represents the function name, while x inside parentheses shows the independent variable the function depends on. This notation helps us clearly identify which variable the function uses and makes mathematical expressions more organized.

What's the difference between y and f(x) notation?

+
Both y and f(x) represent the same concept - the output or dependent variable of a function. The main differences are: 1) f(x) explicitly shows the input variable (x), 2) f(x) allows for multiple functions using different letters (f, g, h), 3) y notation is simpler but less specific about dependencies.

How do you read f(x) out loud in mathematics?

+
f(x) is read as 'f of x' or 'f as a function of x.' This emphasizes that f depends on the value of x. Similarly, g(t) would be read as 'g of t' and h(y) as 'h of y.'

Can you use letters other than f for function notation?

+
Yes, you can use any letter from the Latin alphabet for function names. Common alternatives include g(x), h(x), P(t), V(r), and C(n). The choice often relates to the context - for example, C(n) might represent cost as a function of quantity n.

What does the x inside parentheses mean in f(x)?

+
The x inside parentheses represents the independent variable - the input value that the function depends on. It shows what variable you substitute into the function. When you see f(3), it means you're substituting 3 for x in the function f.

How do you write function notation for word problems?

+
Choose a letter that relates to what the function represents, then identify the independent variable. For example: 1) Area of a circle: A(r) where r is radius, 2) Population over time: P(t) where t is time, 3) Cost based on items: C(n) where n is number of items.

What are common mistakes students make with function notation?

+
Common errors include: confusing f(x) with multiplication (f × x), mixing up independent and dependent variables, using inconsistent variable names, and forgetting parentheses. Remember that f(x) represents the output value, not f times x.

When should I use function notation instead of regular equations?

+
Use function notation when you want to emphasize the relationship between variables, work with multiple functions simultaneously, or clearly identify inputs and outputs. It's especially helpful in calculus, when graphing multiple functions, or solving systems involving several related equations.

More Notation of a Function Questions

Continue Your Math Journey

Practice by Question Type