Creating a Function Prototype in C++ to Calculate a Value Using f(x)

In summary, the person is a beginner trying to enter a function prototype into C++. They have successfully entered the function, but are unsure how to use it in their code. They receive help and learn that they only need to declare a prototype before using the function, and that using multiplication instead of the pow function can make the code run faster.
  • #1
Freyster98
49
0
I am a beginner trying to enter a function prototype into C++. This is what I have entered...where am I going wrong?

double f(double x)
{
return 5*pow(x,3)-3*pow(x,2)+2*x+1;
}

I would like to be able to enter something like f(2.4) later in the code, and have it calculate the value using this function. How would I do this?

f(x)=5x3-3x2+2x+1
 
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  • #2
There's nothing wrong with what you have.

Code:
#include <iostream>
#include <math>

double f(double x)
{
    return 5*std::pow(x,3) - 3*std::pow(x,2) + 2*x + 1;
}

int main()
{
    std::cout << f(2.4) << std::endl;
}
 
  • #3
OK, thanks. I didn't know I had to declare it before main().
 
  • #4
You don't have to define a function before it's called, just declare a prototype. Same code with an actual prototype:
Code:
#include <iostream>
#include <math>

double f(double x);    /* this is the prototype */

int main()
{
    std::cout << f(2.4) << std::endl;
}

double f(double x)
{
    return 5*std::pow(x,3) - 3*std::pow(x,2) + 2*x + 1;
}
 
  • #5
Side note: while it is not generally an error, using pow function to raise float number to an integer power is an overkill. It is absolutely enough to use multiplication:

Code:
5*x*x*x-3*x*x+2*x+1

It will execute faster then your code. But it can be very simply modified to be executed even faster:

Code:
x*(x*(5*x-3)+2)+1
 
  • #6
Thank you all for your help.
 

What is a function prototype?

A function prototype is a declaration of a function that specifies the name of the function, the parameters it takes, and the data type of the return value. It serves as a blueprint for the function and is used to inform the compiler about the existence of the function before it is actually defined.

Why do we need function prototypes?

Function prototypes are needed to inform the compiler about the existence of a function and its parameters before it is actually used in the code. This allows the compiler to perform type checking and ensure that the function is used correctly in the code. It also helps to avoid errors and improve the efficiency of the code.

What is the syntax for a function prototype?

The syntax for a function prototype is: return_type function_name (parameter1, parameter2, ...); where return_type is the data type of the value returned by the function, function_name is the name of the function, and parameters are the input values that the function takes (optional).

Can a function prototype be used to define multiple functions?

Yes, a single function prototype can be used to declare multiple functions with the same name but different parameters. This is known as function overloading and is useful when we want to perform similar operations on different types of data.

What is the difference between a function prototype and a function definition?

A function prototype only declares the existence of a function and provides information about its name, parameters, and return type, whereas a function definition actually includes the code for the function. Function prototypes are usually placed at the beginning of a program, while function definitions are placed after the main() function.

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