In the function notation f(x), what does 'f' represent?

In the function notation f(x), the letter 'f' represents the function itself. This notation indicates that 'f' is a rule or relationship that maps input values (represented by 'x') to output values. The notation implies that for every input 'x', the function 'f' produces a specific output, which can be expressed as f(x).

This concept is fundamental in mathematics, as it allows us to define and manipulate mathematical functions clearly and concisely. By using 'f', we can discuss how different inputs relate to their corresponding outputs without having to specify the entire equation or rule explicitly each time. It's a standard way of denoting functions across various fields of mathematics and science, making it a crucial part of understanding function notation and operations involving functions.