Chapter 2: Problem 63
Find each value if \(f(x)=3 x-4\). $$ f(a) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( f(a) = 3a - 4 \)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function Notation
The function given is \( f(x) = 3x - 4 \). This means for whatever value is substituted for \( x \) in \( f \), we compute it using the expression \( 3x - 4 \). Here, we need to find \( f(a) \), so we'll substitute \( a \) into the function.
02
Substitute the Value in the Expression
Replace \( x \) with \( a \) in the function \( f(x) = 3x - 4 \) to find \( f(a) \). This gives the expression \( f(a) = 3a - 4 \).
03
Simplify the Expression
The expression \( 3a - 4 \) is already in its simplest form because it combines all the operations possible with the given variable \( a \). Thus, \( f(a) = 3a - 4 \) is the simplified result and the value of the function at \( a \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Function Evaluation
Function evaluation is the process of finding the output of a function given a specific input. When you have a function, like \( f(x) = 3x - 4 \), it's essentially a rule that tells you how to transform an input \( x \) into an output. Evaluating a function involves substituting a number or expression for the variable in the function's formula.
The process is quite straightforward:
The process is quite straightforward:
- Identify the input value you need to substitute. In this case, we were asked to find \( f(a) \).
- Replace the variable in the function's formula with the chosen input value. Therefore, \( f(a) = 3a - 4 \).
- Compute the result using the arithmetic operations defined in the function. This will provide the output for the given input.
Algebraic Expression
An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that includes numbers, variables, and operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These expressions represent quantities and are used to express a mathematical relationship.
In our example, the function expression \( 3x - 4 \) is algebraic. It comprises:
In our example, the function expression \( 3x - 4 \) is algebraic. It comprises:
- The coefficient 3, which multiplies the variable \( x \). It denotes that \( x \) is scaled by 3.
- The variable \( x \), which is a placeholder that can represent various values.
- The constant -4, which is subtracted from the product of 3 and \( x \).
Variable Substitution
Variable substitution involves replacing a variable in an expression or formula with a specific value or another expression. This concept is vital for evaluating functions, simplifying expressions, and solving equations.
In function notation, substituting the value involves:
In function notation, substituting the value involves:
- Identifying the variable to substitute. In our example, it's \( x \).
- Replacing this variable with the desired value, such as \( a \) in \( f(a) = 3a - 4 \).
- Ensuring that the substitution is done consistently throughout the expression.