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How to Evaluate Functions Given Values of Independent Variables and Simplifying

A function is a mathematical relationship in which each value of "x" produces only one value of "y". This means that each "y" can have more than one "x" but not vice versa. Because of this, the "y" is considered the dependent variable and the "x" the independent variable. Note that it is common to rewrite "y" in the expression as "f(x)" which represents "function in terms of x". But "y" and "f(x)" are equal terms.

Instructions

- 1
  Evaluate a function when given the independent variable by first using algebra to isolate the "y" variable on one side of the equation. Rewrite the "y" as "f(x)" and plug in the known independent variable for the "x" value in the expression. Simplify for the answer.
- 2
  Evaluate the function 3y = 6x + 12 when x = 8. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate the variable: y = 2x + 4. Rewrite the "y" variable: f(x) = 2x + 4.
- 3
  Plug in the known value for the variable: f(x) = 2(8) + 4. Simplify the expression to solve: f(x) = 16 + 4 = 20.

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