Pen Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 We are reading Life of Fred where there are simple functions such as, say: 2 ---> 4 3 ---> 9 4 ---> 16 where the latter number is the square of the first number. How do you read that (or any function) out loud in words? I think my memory of this from my own school days has slipped into a black hole. But I am sure I am not supposed to say "two arrow four". Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I haven't read Life of Fred, but generally in mathematics a function is given a letter name. The letter "f" is most common (those crazy math people!). In your example, if the function were named "f", you would write f(2) = 4 f(3) = 9 and you would say f of 2 is 4 or f of 2 equals 4 Without a name, it's a little difficult to talk about the function. I guess you could say, "The function applied to 2 gives 4" or something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted May 7, 2012 Author Share Posted May 7, 2012 I haven't read Life of Fred, but generally in mathematics a function is given a letter name. The letter "f" is most common (those crazy math people!). In your example, if the function were named "f", you would write f(2) = 4 f(3) = 9 and you would say f of 2 is 4 or f of 2 equals 4 Without a name, it's a little difficult to talk about the function. I guess you could say, "The function applied to 2 gives 4" or something like that. Got it. I'll use your last suggestion in these circumstances. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Using the arrows is also notation for a mapping and a relation...which doesn't have to be a function. With the arrows, I'd say "2 goes to 4", "6 goes to 36", etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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