Lesson 2: Evaluating the Functions

Topic/s:
The learner is able to evaluate functions and solve problems involving functions.

Materials:

Manila papers/ Cartolina, Pen

Learning Concepts/ Discussions:

 Evaluating a function means replacing the variable in the function, in this case x, with a value from the
function's domain and computing for the result. To denote that we are evaluating f at a for some a in the
domain of f, we write f(a).

Sample Activities:
Example 1: Given f(x) = 3x – 4, find f(5).

f(5) = 3(5) – 4 Substitute 5 in for x in the

function.

 f(5) = 15 – 4  Simplify the expression on

the right side of the
f(5) = 11 equation.

Answer Given f(x)= 3x – 4, f(5) = 11.

Example 2: Given p(x) = 2x2 + 5, find p(−3)

p(−3) = 2(−3)2 + 5 Substitute -3 in for x in the

function.

 p(−3) = 2(9) + 5 Simplify the expression on the

right side of the equation.
p(−3) = 18 + 5

p(−3) = 23

Answer Given p(x) = 2x2 + 5, p(−3) = 23.

Example 3: Given f(x) = 4x + 1, find f(h + 1).

f(h + 1) = 4(h + 1) + 1 This time, you substitute

(h + 1) into the equation for x.

 f(h + 1) = 4h + 4 + 1 Use the distributive property on

the right side, and then combine
            = 4h + 5 like terms to simplify.

Answer Given f(x) = 4x + 1, f(h + 1) = 4h + 5.

Group Activities:
Create 4 groups in a class and answer the following questions below in Manila paper/Cartolina. Compare the
answer of the four groups.

Evaluate the following function each of the four groups.

GROUP I GROUP II
GROUP III GROUP IV

Individual Activity:
1. Evaluate the following functions.
a) f(x+3) by q(4x + 3)
b) f( x 2 - 3x + 4) ; r(2x -1)
2
c.) f( ) ; k(2 – x)
3 x +2

2. Given f(x)= x 2 + 4x +4 , find the following values:

f(3)
f(12)
c) f(x-3)
d) f(x + 3)
e) Is f(x + 3) the same as f(x) + f(3) ? Prove your answer.