The equation "f(x) = y" represents a mathematical function, where "f" is the function name, "x" is the input value, and "y" is the output value. This notation indicates that for each input "x," the function "f" produces a corresponding output "y." Functions can describe various relationships in mathematics and are fundamental in fields like algebra and calculus. In this context, "f" can be any rule or formula that transforms "x" into "y." For example, if f(x) = 2x, then for an input of x = 3, the output y would be 6. Functions can be represented in different ways, including graphs, tables, and equations.