Michigan Algebra I Sept. 2012

Evaluating a function is the process of substituting a value for the independent variable and simplifying the resulting numerical expression.

Example 1

Consider the linear function f(x) = 3x - 4. Find f(2).

Step 1. Substitute the given value of 2 for x.

f (2) = 3(2) - 4

Step 2. Follow the Order of Operations to simplify.

3(2) - 4

6 - 4

2

f (2) = 2