Evaluating Functions

TipLearning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

  • Substitute values correctly into functions.
  • Evaluate functions given formulas, tables, or graphs.
  • Interpret function outputs in applied situations.

Key Ideas

Evaluating a function means plugging in a specific input and calculating the corresponding output.

  • When you see \(f(x)\), think: “the value of \(f\) when \(x\) equals something.”
  • Always use parentheses when substituting negative numbers to avoid sign errors.
  • Functions may be presented in several forms:
    • Formulas
    • Tables
    • Graphs

Common Problem Types

1. Formula Evaluation

Plug in the value for \(x\) and simplify.

2. Table Lookup

Find the input in the table and read the output.

3. Reading From Graphs

Locate the point with the given \(x\)-value and identify the \(y\)-value.

4. Applied Contexts

Interpret outputs in real-world situations (e.g., population, cost, distance).

Strategies

  • Replace \(x\) with the input everywhere it appears in the formula.
  • Use parentheses when plugging in negatives, powers, or expressions.
  • In graphs, move vertically from the given \(x\) to find the corresponding \(y\).
  • In tables, ensure you’re reading the correct row or pair.
  • Reread the question—many evaluation errors come from substituting the wrong value.

Worked Examples

Example 1 — Formula Evaluation

Given: \[ f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x, \] find \(f(-2)\).

Solution:
\[ \begin{split} f(-2) &= 2(-2)^2 - 3(-2) \\ &= 2(4) + 6 \\ &= 14 \end{split} \]

Example 2 — Table Evaluation

If a table shows \(g(2) = 5\), then: \[ g(2) = 5 \]

Example 3 — Graph Evaluation

If the point \((3, -1)\) lies on the graph of \(h(x)\), then: \[ h(3) = -1 \]

WarningCommon Mistakes
  • Forgetting parentheses when plugging in negative numbers.
  • Treating \(f(x)\) as multiplication instead of function notation.
  • Reading incorrect values from a table or graph.

Practice Problems

  1. If \(f(x) = x^2 - 4x\), find \(f(6)\).
  2. If \(h(x) = \sqrt{x}\), find \(h(9)\).
  3. If a graph shows \((2, -5)\), what is \(f(2)\)?
  4. A table shows \(g(0) = 8\). What is \(g(0)\)?
  5. Evaluate \(p(x) = 3 - x\) at \(x = -4\).

1.
\[ f(6) = 6^2 - 4(6) = 36 - 24 = 12 \]

2.
\[ h(9) = \sqrt{9} = 3 \]

3.
From point \((2, -5)\) → \(f(2) = -5\)

4.
From table → \(g(0) = 8\)

5.
\[ p(-4) = 3 - (-4) = 7 \]

Summary

  • Evaluating a function means plugging a value into the expression or reading it from a graph/table.
  • Use parentheses when working with negative inputs.
  • Tables, graphs, and formulas all represent the same input–output relationship.
  • \(f(x)\) is notation, not multiplication.
  • Careful substitution avoids most mistakes.
  • Replace \(x\) with parentheses first, then simplify.
  • Check graphs by locating the point with the given \(x\)-value.
  • Tables give exact values—just read them carefully.
  • Always verify you’re substituting the right input.