Question 136·Easy·Linear Functions
The function is defined by . What is the value of when ?
For function-evaluation questions like this, rewrite the function with the given input in place of , then simplify step by step using order of operations: do any multiplication or division first, then addition or subtraction. Pay close attention to negative signs and the order in subtraction (which number is being subtracted from which) to avoid simple sign errors that can cost you points.
Hints
Interpret
Think about what it means to evaluate a function at a given number. What should you do with the in when you are asked for ?
Substitute and focus on the operations
After you replace with , you will get an expression like . Which operation should you perform first: the subtraction or the multiplication?
Be careful with subtraction order
Once you multiply and , you will have minus that product. Make sure you are doing minus the product, not the product minus .
Desmos Guide
Evaluate the function in Desmos
In one line, type h(x)=7-4x, and in the next line type h(3). Look at the numerical value that Desmos displays for h(3); that value is the answer to the question.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what means
The function is defined as . The question asks for the value of when , which means you need to find by plugging in place of in the expression .
Substitute into the function
Replace with in :
Now you have a numerical expression to simplify.
Use order of operations to simplify
First multiply to get , so the expression becomes:
Now subtract: . So , which corresponds to answer choice C.