What does f(x) mean?

[Hunter100]

I know it is a function but i want a simple plain answer to exactly what it is...

if anyone could help that would be great...

Thanks

[exicute]

f(x) is a function of x.

That being said here is an example:

f(x) = x + 1

Another way to write that equation is:

y = x + 1

x can have any value, hence it is a variable to account for changing numbers.

For example:

f(1) = 2

since 1 + 1 = 2.

At your level of math this notation does not make a significant difference, but once you get into calculus all equations ARE TYPICALLY written using the f(x) notation.

An example of the use of f(x) in calculus is the derivative:

f'(x) = dy/dx

The above equation is f prime of x (f'(x)) is the same as the change in y over the change in x. (Also, this is key in basic newtonian physics (Laws of motion is a simple way of putting it) since the derivative of position is velocity.

In short, "f(x)" is simply a notation because you are not always working with 1 equation and have to represent multiple equations in 1 equation in a form that is easily worked with so that basic math techniques can be applied.

An example of multiple functions written in this fashion:
(You use different letters for each different equation.)

Let's say that:

g(x) = 5x + 10
h(x) = 250x^2 + 9

f(x) = g(x) * h(x)

Cleary "f(x) = g(x) * h(x)" is easier to write and work with than "f(x) = (5x + 10) * (250x^2 + 9).

This becomes increasingly important as you progress into more complex mathematics.

Hope this cleared things up for you.

[Hunter100]

Wow man thanks, that clears everything up ALOT!

[exicute]

Anytime. If you need any help with mathematics up to Calculus I'd be more than glad to help. (Not Multi-variable Calculus since I am taking it this fall and obviously do not know it at this time, but I'm sure there's someone that can help with that if needed.)