Set x Equal to Something: How to Use Brackets in a Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of brackets in mathematical functions, specifically in the context of setting a variable x equal to a value within a function f(x). Participants explore the implications of using brackets and engage in a light-hearted exchange about terminology related to different types of brackets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the necessity of using brackets when setting x in a function, asking for confirmation.
  • Another participant provides an example function, f(x) = -x² + 4, and evaluates it at f(-10), suggesting that the expression --10² + 4 is confusing and speculating on its meaning.
  • Some participants agree that using brackets is appropriate, with one stating, "it's settled, you use brackets."
  • There is a discussion about the different terminologies used for brackets, braces, and parentheses, with participants noting regional differences in naming conventions.
  • Humorous exchanges occur regarding informal names for various types of brackets, with participants sharing their own terms like "square thingies" and "round thingies."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While some participants agree on the use of brackets in functions, there is no consensus on the terminology or the interpretation of specific expressions. The discussion includes multiple viewpoints and remains somewhat unresolved regarding the clarity of certain mathematical expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the meaning of certain mathematical expressions, and there are references to different naming conventions for brackets that may lead to confusion.

Femme_physics
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I was always sure you use brackets but lately a certainly question had shaken my confidence. Can you confirm one uses brackets when settings the x equal to something in a function f(x).
 

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Hi Femme_physics! :smile:

(wouldn't it have been quicker to type it rather than attach a picture? :confused:)

If f(x) = -x2 + 4

then f(-10) = -(-10)2 + 4.

I don't know what --102 + 4 would mean, but I suspect it would be --(102) + 4 = (102) + 4 :confused:
 


Tiny-tim! Good to see you! Where've you been hiding? ^^ :)

tiny-tim said:
Hi Femme_physics! :smile:

(wouldn't it have been quicker to type it rather than attach a picture? :confused:)

LMAO! Force of habit!

If f(x) = -x2 + 4

then f(-10) = -(-10)2 + 4.

I don't know what --102 + 4 would mean, but I suspect it would be --(102) + 4 = (102) + 4 :confused:

Heh, yes. So it's settled, you use brackets.
 
Femme_physics said:
Tiny-tim! Good to see you! Where've you been hiding? ^^ :)

finding nemo! :rolleyes:

where were you? :biggrin:​
 


Hehe. You know I'm always here, distraught about some new statics problem. My lovely guardian angel these days is I like Serena :) But you're also always welcome to flop those golden fins, sending me ripples of comprehension in my quest to understand mechanics^^
 


tiny-tim said:
I don't know what --102 + 4 would mean, but I suspect it would be --(102) + 4 = (102) + 4

Clearly, --102 + 4 means 92 + 4 = 85.:biggrin:

Similarly, ++102 + 4 would be 112 + 4 = 125


BTW, some of us on the west side of the Atlantic call these things - [] - brackets, these things - {} - braces, these things - <> - angle brackets, and these things - () - parentheses. I understand that the terminology is somewhat different in GB.
 


Mark44 said:
these things - <> - angle brackets

Oh, is that what they're called? I just call them arrow thingies.
 


Char. Limit said:
Oh, is that what they're called? I just call them arrow thingies.

Aherm, vector notation on the Cartesian plane. Check yourself before you wreck yourself ;)
 


To be fair, I also call brackets "square thingies" and paretheses "round thingies".
 
  • #10


Char. Limit said:
To be fair, I also call brackets "square thingies" and paretheses "round thingies".

LOL. I actually knew you were joking, Char, I just wanted to jokingly patronize over you and sound smart for a milisecond :D
 
  • #11


Femme_physics said:
LOL. I actually knew you were joking, Char, I just wanted to jokingly patronize over you and sound smart for a milisecond :D

Huh? I'm not joking. That's actually what I call them.
 
  • #12


|| - straight thingies?
& - curly thingy?
~ - wavy thingy?
 
  • #13


See, Mark gets me! Oh, and these: {} are pointy thingies.
 

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