Chapter 2: Problem 19
Evaluate the function at the indicated values. $$\begin{array}{l} f(x)=2 x+1 ; \\ f(1), f(-2), f\left(\frac{1}{2}\right), f(a), f(-a), f(a+b) \end{array}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( f(1)=3, f(-2)=-3, f\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)=2, f(a)=2a+1, f(-a)=-2a+1, f(a+b)=2a+2b+1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function
The function given is a linear function, \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \). This means that for any input \( x \), we multiply it by 2 and then add 1 to find the output.
02
Evaluating \( f(1) \)
Substitute \( 1 \) into the function: \( f(1) = 2(1) + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3 \). So, \( f(1) = 3 \).
03
Evaluating \( f(-2) \)
Substitute \( -2 \) into the function: \( f(-2) = 2(-2) + 1 = -4 + 1 = -3 \). So, \( f(-2) = -3 \).
04
Evaluating \( f\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) \)
Substitute \( \frac{1}{2} \) into the function: \( f\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) = 2\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2 \). So, \( f\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) = 2 \).
05
Evaluating \( f(a) \)
Substitute \( a \) into the function: \( f(a) = 2a + 1 \). The output is in terms of \( a \).
06
Evaluating \( f(-a) \)
Substitute \( -a \) into the function: \( f(-a) = 2(-a) + 1 = -2a + 1 \). The output is also in terms of \( a \).
07
Evaluating \( f(a+b) \)
Substitute \( a+b \) into the function: \( f(a+b) = 2(a+b) + 1 = 2a + 2b + 1 \). The output is in terms of both \( a \) and \( b \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Linear Functions
A linear function is a type of mathematical function that can be represented by the equation \( f(x) = ax + b \). This equation describes a straight line when graphed on a coordinate plane.
Each linear function has a few unique characteristics:
Each linear function has a few unique characteristics:
- **Slope (a):** This indicates how steep the line is. In our example, \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \), the slope is \(2\), meaning for every unit increase in \(x\), the output \( f(x)\) increases by 2.
- **Y-intercept (b):** This is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. In our example, the y-intercept is \(1\), indicating the output value when \( x = 0 \).
The Substitution Method in Function Evaluation
The substitution method is an effective way to find the output of a function by replacing the variable with actual values. This is particularly useful for evaluating functions at specific points.
Here's how it works with the function \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \):
Here's how it works with the function \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \):
- You "substitute" a number for \(x\). For instance, if you want to find \( f(1) \), you replace \(x\) with \(1\), giving \( f(1) = 2(1) + 1 \).
- After substituting, you simplify the expression: \( f(1) = 2 + 1 = 3 \).
Algebraic Expressions and Function Evaluation
When dealing with a linear function, evaluating it often involves working with algebraic expressions. An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that includes constants, variables, and operations (like addition, multiplication).
Consider the function \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \). Evaluating this at \( x = a \) involves substituting \(a\) into the equation, resulting in the expression \( 2a + 1 \). This expression represents all possible outputs of the function when the input is \( a \).
Consider the function \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \). Evaluating this at \( x = a \) involves substituting \(a\) into the equation, resulting in the expression \( 2a + 1 \). This expression represents all possible outputs of the function when the input is \( a \).
- **Complex Inputs:** When the input is a more complex expression, like \(a+b\), you substitute the entire expression: \( f(a+b) = 2(a+b) + 1 = 2a + 2b + 1 \).
- These algebraic results can help in further studying the behavior of the function for different inputs, making it versatile in application.