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Expert: - 1/11/2008


Question
Hello
What might function notation be important?

Thanks

Maria

Answer
Hello Maria,

I gather you meant "Why" might function notation be important...yes?

Mostly a notational convenience...
For example, suppose y=3x+2 is an equation we have,
and we wish to evaluate it at x=4.  Then we would have
to 'say'...evaluate or determine 'y' when x=4.  If we
use functional notation, then we can write f(x)=3x+2,
then simply as for f(4).  This is just one example, there
are many more examples, in calculus and beyond, where the
notation is also convenient.

I hope this helps!

Abe

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Abe Mantell

Expertise

Hello, I am a college professor of mathematics and regularly teach all levels from elementary mathematics through differential equations, and would be happy to assist anyone with such questions!

Experience

Over 15 years teaching at the college level.

Organizations belong to
NCTM, NYSMATYC, AMATYC, MAA, NYSUT, AFT.

Education/Credentials
B.S. in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
M.S. (and A.B.D.) in Applied Mathematics from SUNY @ Stony Brook

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