Clear Explanation and Examples of Functional Notation

 The following notes and examples attempt to explain and clear up misconceptions and difficulties students often face when dealing with or understanding the functional notation usage. Part of the confusion associated with functional notation is that the equal sign is used in a different fashion. As the following examples show, the functional notation usage of equality is that of assignment rather than the conditional sense that is used when solving equations.  This shift in context of the equality symbol (=) seems to be be the chief source of difficulty many experience when working with functional notation.  Functional notation is prevalent in mathematics, physics and economics so a solid understanding is important for any technically inclined student or professional.

  I believe that many children in an IEP have had weak instructors in math and English who did not properly explain important foundational concepts and functional notation is one of them.