Question

ok i have f(x)=x-2, calculate f(-3). no idea what im doing S.O.S.

Answer 1

f(-3) = -3 -2 = -5

Answer 2

plug -3 in place of x

Answer 3

Well, calulating f(-3) means insert -3 in place of f(x).

Answer 4

oh ok, that helps!! thanks

Answer 5

so what do i do with the f?

Answer 6

The f is simply a label, it's not actually part of the equation. If you are told 'Mix color red with color blue to make purple.', mathematically, it would be 'Purple=color(red)+color(blue)'. Does that help you understand?

Answer 7

ya thanks!

Answer 8

Couldn't have explained it better than sharktopi....

Answer 9

great explanation

Answer 10

so then getting replacing the x's and f's the problem would look like this
-3=-3-2?

Answer 11

No, it would be f(x)=-3-2. f(x) is just code for 'y' :)

Answer 12

ohhh ok

Answer 13

then what? sorry new at pre alg.

Answer 14

It's cool, I'm barely doing Algebra 2 :)
f(x)=-3-2
Remember, f(x) is code for 'y', therefore
y=-3-2
Sicne -3-2 is -5
y=-5

Answer 15

oh ok know i get it! thanks a lot!