Problem 12 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Evaluate each function at the given values. \(f(x)=9 x\) a. \(f(10)\) b. \(f(-5)\) c. \(f(0)\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The values of the function are \(f(10) = 90\), \(f(-5) = -45\), and \(f(0) = 0\).

Step 1: Substitute \(x\) with the given value

For each part of the question, \(x\) is substituted by the given value and the function is calculated. Starting with \(f(10)\), we have \(f(10) = 9 * 10\). Simplifying this gives \(f(10) = 90\).

Step 2: Continue with Substituting

Continuing to \(f(-5)\), we substitute to get \(f(-5) = 9 * (-5)\). Simplifying this we get \(f(-5) = -45\).

Step 3: Evaluate the Function for All Given Values

Finally, for \(f(0)\), we substitute and find that \(f(0) = 9 * 0\). This simplifies to \(f(0) = 0\).

Key Concepts

Algebraic Functions

Algebraic functions are the foundation of many topics in algebra and act as a corner stone for understanding mathematical relationships. These functions are written as expressions using algebraic operations, which include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and sometimes more advanced operations such as exponents and roots. A function like the one in our exercise, f(x)=9x, represents a rule that assigns to each input x exactly one output, calculated by the algebraic expression after substituting x with a specific value.

In this case, the function is very straightforward—it describes a relationship where the output is nine times the input. Understanding algebraic functions is critical because they allow us to model real-world situations and find answers to practical problems, from calculating the speed of a car to predicting profits in business scenarios.

Substituting Values

Substituting values into a function is a fundamental skill in algebra. It involves replacing the variable of the function with a specific value to evaluate the function. For instance, given the function f(x)=9x from the exercise, when we want to find out what f(10) is, we substitute x with 10, so we calculate 9*10 and arrive at 90.

It's essential to substitute values correctly to assess how the function behaves for different inputs. This skill helps in understanding how changes in one variable affect another, allowing for predictions and problem-solving in various scientific and mathematical contexts. When substituting, always replace the variable consistently throughout the expression before performing the algebraic operations.

Linear Functions

Linear functions are a specific type of algebraic function characterized by a constant rate of change, represented by a straight line when graphed. The general form of a linear function is f(x)=mx+b, where m is the slope, and b is the y-intercept. In this exercise, the linear function f(x)=9x has a slope of 9 and a y-intercept of 0, indicating that the line crosses the origin and rises steeply as x increases.

Understanding linear functions is crucial in various fields, such as economics for cost functions, physics for speed, or in everyday life for understanding anything that has a constant rate of change. Linear functions have a predictable pattern of change, which is why they're often one of the first types of functions taught in algebra classes.