Function Notation

A function uses a independent variable x to represent the elements available for the function, and a dependent variable y to represent the elements that provides the solution set to the function. The function acts on the x variable to solve for the y variable can be written in the notation y = f(x), pronounced "y equals f of x". The function symbol f(x) represents a mathematical equation. It performs operations on each x element and the results define the y elements. An example of a function is the equation y equals two times x plus the number one. The results when mapped on the Cartesian Plan is a continuous straight line, so this is referred to as a linear function. This function can use the entire set of real numbers for both the input variable and the output variable, because any number will work for both x and y. Since this function is linear it is continuous and each x has one, and only one y solution.

General function notation:

y = f(x).

Linear functions in general notation:
y = 2x + 1,
y = 4x / 3,
y = (2x / 3) + 1.