Function rule

Functions: Domain and range

Function rule

We have just seen that a function can have a corresponding formula. From now on we will also give functions a name. This can be convenient if we are dealing with multiple functions. It helps us in easily identifying which function we mean.

We can notate a function with the help of a function rule. We then name the function, for example #\orange f#.

A function with formula #y=4 \cdot \blue x +2# has the following function rule:

\[\orange f(\blue x)=4 \cdot \blue x +2\]

Since, if #\blue x=\blue2# then #\orange f(\blue2)=4 \cdot \blue2 +2=\green{10}#, we can say that the #\green{\text{function value}}# of #\blue 2# is equal to #\green {10}#.

LettersIn the definition we used #f# as name for the function. We can use every letter possible. In general, #f#, #g# or #h# are most often used.

With a function rule we can also notate functions that do not have a formula of the form #y=\ldots#. Take a look at the example on the right.

Example

\[f(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{ll}0 & \text{for } x\lt0 \\ 1 & \text{for } x \geq 0\end{array}\right.\]

Take a look at the function:
\[f(x)=\left(x-3\right)\cdot \left(x+1\right)\cdot \left(x+4\right)\]
Calculate #f(-1)#.

#f(-1)=# #0#

After all, to calculate #f(-1)#, we substitute #x=-1# in the function.
We then get: \[f(-1)=\left(-1-3\right)\cdot \left(-1+1\right)\cdot \left(-1+4\right)=0\]
Hence, #f(-1)=0#.

New example