In lesson 8 function was introduced, this lesson will continue to cover function notation. Throw out mathematic function notation is used to make functions easy to read and understand.

Functions have dependent and independent variables, and when we use function notation the independent variable is commonly x, and the dependent variable is F(x). In order to write a relation or equation using function notation, we first determine whether the relation is a function.

• A function is a set of inputs that maps onto a single output in each case.

• Functions have a domain and range.

• The domain is the set of independent values of the variable x for an algebraic relation or a function is defined: It is a set of x-values that generate the real values of y when substituted in the function.

• Since most functions are represented with various variables such as; f, g, h, k, etc., we use f(x), g(x), h(x) 0r k(x) in order to avoid confusion as to which function is being evaluated.

• Function notation makes it easier to identify independent variables.

• Function notation also helps us to identify the elements of a function which has to be examined.