argument


The argument of a function is its input. For example, in the expression f(x), x is the argument of f.

A common error for those who are unfamiliar with mathematics is to treat a function and its argument as two separate entities. For example, in solving the equation lnx=5 for x, people who are unfamiliar with mathematics may give the erroneous answer x=5ln. This error might be circumvented by stressing that a function and its argument are not multiplied, but rather that a function its argument.

Another common error is to try to separate the argument of a function. This error is most common when the argument consists of at least two . For example, students may write f(x+5)=f(x)+f(5) regardless of what the function f is.

Title argument
Canonical name Argument
Date of creation 2013-03-22 16:07:06
Last modified on 2013-03-22 16:07:06
Owner Wkbj79 (1863)
Last modified by Wkbj79 (1863)
Numerical id 8
Author Wkbj79 (1863)
Entry type Definition
Classification msc 03E20
Classification msc 97D70