Chapter 8: Problem 55
For each function, find the indicated values. \(f(x)=\frac{1}{2} x ;\) a. \(f(0)\) b. \(f(2)\) c. \(f(-2)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. 0, b. 1, c. -1
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
We are given the function to work with, which is \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \). This means for any input \( x \), the output is obtained by multiplying \( x \) by \( \frac{1}{2} \).
02
Substitute for f(0)
To find \( f(0) \), substitute \( x = 0 \) into the function: \( f(0) = \frac{1}{2} \times 0 \). Simplify to get \( f(0) = 0 \).
03
Substitute for f(2)
To find \( f(2) \), substitute \( x = 2 \) into the function: \( f(2) = \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \). Simplify to get \( f(2) = 1 \).
04
Substitute for f(-2)
To find \( f(-2) \), substitute \( x = -2 \) into the function: \( f(-2) = \frac{1}{2} \times (-2) \). Simplify to get \( f(-2) = -1 \).
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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 by which you determine the value of a function for a specific input. Functions act like machines where you input a number, and it outputs another number according to a given rule. In our example, the function is defined as \[ f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \] Here, the input is represented by \( x \), and the function outputs the value by multiplying \( x \) by \( \frac{1}{2} \).To evaluate \( f \), simply substitute the specific value of \( x \) into the function and perform the arithmetic operations. For example:
- For \( f(0) \), substitute \( x = 0 \) into the expression, which simplifies to \( 0 \).
- For \( f(2) \), substitute \( x = 2 \), the expression \( \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \) results in \( 1 \).
- Likewise, \( f(-2) \) becomes \( -1 \) when you substitute \( x = -2 \).
Substitution Method
The substitution method involves replacing the variable in a mathematical expression with a specific value to find the result. This is a fundamental concept in algebra that simplifies finding outputs for functions.When working with the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \), you use substitution by replacing \( x \) with given values.For example:
- To find \( f(0) \), substitute \( 0 \) for \( x \), resulting in \( f(0) = \frac{1}{2} \times 0 = 0 \).
- For \( f(2) \), substitute \( 2 \) for \( x \), resulting in \( f(2) = \frac{1}{2} \times 2 = 1 \).
- Lastly, substitute \( -2 \) for \( x \) to find \( f(-2) = \frac{1}{2} \times (-2) = -1 \).
Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators (such as +, -, *, /) that represent a particular quantity. They are essentially instructions for what calculations to perform.In our function example, \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x \), the expression "\( \frac{1}{2}x \)" shows how \( x \) is processed to determine the output. Here:
- \( \frac{1}{2} \) is a constant multiplier to the variable \( x \).
- \( x \) is a variable that changes based on input values.