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Understanding how to evaluate a function is essential for solving problems involving functions. A function takes an input, processes it using a specific rule or formula, and gives an output. For instance, given the function formula \(f(x) = 80x + 2500\), when you evaluate \(f\) at \(x = 10\), you substitute \(10\) wherever you see \(x\). Here's how it works step by step:

• Substitute 10: \(f(10) = 80(10) + 2500\)
• Simplify the expression: \(80 \times 10 = 800\)
• Add the constant: \(800 + 2500 = 3300\)

So, \(f(10) = 3300\). Understanding this process is crucial because it forms the basis for using functions in various scenarios.

Substitution is a method used to replace a variable with a specific value. In mathematics, especially with functions, substitution allows us to find the output for a given input value.

• Identify the variable to replace, in this case, \(x\).
• Insert the desired input value into the function wherever the variable appears.
• Simplify any arithmetic operations to find the result.

To illustrate, for \(g(x) = 150x\), by substituting \(x = 10\), we get:

• Replace \(x\): \(g(10) = 150(10)\)
• Perform the multiplication: \(150 \times 10 = 1500\)

Therefore, \(g(10) = 1500\). Substitution helps in evaluating functions, solving equations, and simplifying expressions.

Linear functions describe a straight-line relationship between the independent variable \(x\) and the dependent variable. The general form of a linear function is \(f(x) = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the y-intercept.
Linear functions have the following properties:

• The graph is a straight line.
• The rate of change (slope) is constant.
• The relationship is described by a first-degree polynomial.

Let's consider the function \(f(x) = 80x + 2500\). Here, 80 is the slope, indicating how much the function value increases as \(x\) increases by 1. The number 2500 is the y-intercept, showing where the line crosses the y-axis. Such functions are ideal for modeling consistent, linear relationships.
By understanding linear relationships, you'll recognize patterns and predict outcomes effectively in real-world situations.