Back to Use function notation — Problem 5 · Task Set 3

HSF.IF.A.2 Tutor Intake — Evaluate and Interpret Function Notation

This short check helps your tutor understand where to start. Answer each question on your own. If you are not sure, give your best try — every response helps your tutor plan your sessions.

Grade 9·13 problems·~15 min·Common Core Math - HS Functions·group·hsf-if-a-2

Work through problems with immediate feedback

Procedures

Let $g(x) = x^2 - 1$ .

A student is asked to solve $g(x) = 3$ and writes: "Since $g(x) = 3$ ,
I compute $g(3) = 9 - 1 = 8$ , so the answer is 8."

What error did the student make?

The student evaluated $g$ at the wrong input; $g(3)$ is correct but
the answer should be 3, not 8.

The student confused solving with evaluating. $g(x) = 3$ asks for
the input $x$ that gives output 3, not the output when $x = 3$ .

The student made an arithmetic error; $g(3) = 9 - 1 = 8$ is wrong.

The student should have computed $g(3) - 3 = 5$ instead.