Section 9-2
Linear Functions
FUNCTION NOTATION
If the input to a function is x, and the rule f, then the output is f(x) .
This DOES NOT mean "f times x" , it's just a notation device to record the input and output. For example, if f(x) = 3x + 4, then f(3) = 3(3) + 4 = 13, not f times 3 (meaningless).
The graph of f is the set of all ordered pairs (x, f(x)), with x in the domain of the function. So f(x) replaces y in the usual two-variable equation.
To graph a linear function, just replace f(x) with y, and use your usual graphing techniques.
Example:
Graph the function.
f(x) = –4x + 2
First, replace the f(x) with y:
y = –4x + 2
The equation is already in slope-intercept form, so we can graph it immediately. Plot the y-intercept at (0, 2), use the slope to find another point (1, –2), and then draw the line through them.