Function Notation

Pronunciation: /ˈfʌŋk ʃən noʊˈteɪ ʃən/ ?

Figure 1: Function notation diagram

Function notation is a way to write functions that clarifies the name of the function, the independent variables, the dependent variables, and the transformation rule. In the example on the right, f(x) is the dependent variable, f is the function name, x is the independent variable, and 3x + 2 is the transformation rule.

References

1. Bettinger, Alvin K. and Englund, John A.. Algebra and Trigonometry, pg 55. International Textbook Company, January 1963. (Accessed: 2010-01-12). http://www.archive.org/stream/algebraandtrigon033520mbp#page/n72/mode/1up/search/notation.
2. Goldrei, D.C.. Classic Set Theory: For Guided Independent Study, pg 4. Chapman & Hall Mathematics, July 1, 1996.
3. Long, Edith and Brenke, W. C.. Algebra, First Course, pp 206-213. The Century Co., 1913. (Accessed: 2010-02-05). http://www.archive.org/stream/algebrafirstcour00longrich#page/212/mode/1up/search/notation.
4. Ron Larson, Robert P. Hostetler. College Algebra, 7th ed., pp 191-192. Brooks Cole, January 5, 2006. (Accessed: 2010-02-05).

Printed Resources

Cite this article as:

Function Notation. 2010-02-05. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem.org. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/f/functionnotation.html.

Translations

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Image Credits

• All images and manipulatives are by David McAdams unless otherwise stated. All images by David McAdams are Copyright © Life is a Story Problem.org and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.

Revision History

2010-02-05: Added "References" (McAdams, David.)
2008-08-02: Added transformation rule (McAdams, David.)
2008-07-01: Initial version (McAdams, David.)