Function machines

Here you will learn about function machines, including finding outputs, finding inputs and using function machines to solve equations.

Students will first learn about function machines as part of functions in 8 th grade.

What is a function machine?

A function machine is used to apply operations in a given order to a value known as the Input. The final value produced is known as the Output. For each input, there is one unique output.

A function machine can be applied to numbers or be used for algebraic manipulation.

For example,

When 3 is substituted for the input, each operation of the function machine is used in order to calculate the output.

When the input is unknown (represent by a variable, like x ), the inverse operations of the function machine are used to work backwards in order to calculate the missing input.

Note: Not all equations can be solved using a function machine, but they can be applied to a lot of situations where the unknown is on one side of the equation.

Function machines can be used to help produce tables of values for graphs such as quadratic or cubic graphs, but this page will only cover linear functions.

What is a function machine?

Common Core State Standards

How does this relate to 8 th grade math?

• Grade 8 – Functions (8.F.A.1)
  Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and the corresponding output.

How to find the output of a function machine

In order to find the output of a function machine given an input:

1. Substitute the given value for the input.
2. Follow the steps in the function machine in order to calculate the output.

Solving using function machine examples

Example 1: substitution in a 2-step function machine

What is the output when the input is 7?

1. Substitute the given value for the input.

2Follow the steps in the function machine in order to calculate the output.

First, add 11.

Then, multiply by \cfrac{1}{4}.

The output is 4\cfrac{1}{2} or 4.5.

Example 2: substitution in a 2-step function machine

What is the output when the input is 13?

Substitute the given value for the input.

How to solve equations using a function machine

In order to solve a linear equation using a function machine:

1. Consider the order of operations being applied to the unknown.
2. Draw a function machine starting with the unknown as the Input and the value the equation is equal to as the Output.
3. Work backwards, applying inverse operations to find the unknown Input.

Example 3: solving a one step equation using a function machine

Solve 4x=- \, 5.

Draw a function machine starting with the unknown as the Input and the value the equation is equal to as the Output.

Example 4: solving a two step equation using a function machine

Solve \cfrac{x}{2}-6=3 .

Draw a function machine starting with the unknown as the Input and the value the equation is equal to as the Output.

Example 5: solving a two step equation using a function machine

Solve 5.8(x+2)=24.36 .

Draw a function machine starting with the unknown as the Input and the value the equation is equal to as the Output.

Example 6: solving a three step equation using a function machine

Solve \cfrac{3p-1}{4}=8 .

Draw a function machine starting with the unknown as the Input and the value the equation is equal to as the Output.

Teaching tips for function machine

• Review the concept of functions and input-output tables before teaching students how to use a function machine.

• Use printable, function machine worksheets that have a variety of representations, like algebraic expressions, function tables and graphs.

• For English language learners or other learners who are unsure why these are referred to as “machines,” utilize an interactive, free resource that shows the “action” of the machine changing from input to output.

• Decide where this topic best fits within your state’s interpretation of CCSS-M, before introducing function machines.

Easy mistakes to make

• Not working backwards when using inverse functions
  When a function rule has two or more steps, a common error is to forget to work backwards. The inverse operations are used but in the wrong order.
  
  For example,
  Solving the function below as 3\times{2}+6, instead of (3+6)\times{2}.
  
  

• Not using the correct order of operations when drawing a function machine
  When creating a function machine, follow the correct order of operations for an equation.
  
  For example,
  In the equation 1+2x=7, the multiplication by two takes place before subtracting one.
  
  

Related what is a function lessons

• What is a function?
• Exponential functions

The next lessons are

• Law of exponents
• Scientific notation
• Quadratic graphs
• Function notation
• Composite functions
• Inverse functions

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