y = f(x)
The equation "y = f(x)" represents a mathematical function where "y" is the output value, and "x" is the input value. The function, denoted as f, defines a specific relationship between these two variables. For every input "x," there is a corresponding output "y," which can be calculated using the rules of the function.
Functions can take various forms, such as linear, quadratic, or exponential. They are essential in mathematics and are used to model real-world situations, like calculating distance over time or predicting population growth. Understanding functions helps in analyzing and interpreting data effectively.