Evaluating a Function

Functions allow you to use expressions over and over again in your worksheet without having to reenter them repeatedly.

Tutorial - Evaluating Functions

Discussion and Example

To evaluate a function, either built-in or user-defined:

1. Type the name of the function, followed by a left parenthesis.

2. Type a list of argument values separated by commas followed by a right parenthesis.

   

3. Press the "=" operator.

   

If you can't remember the exact name or argument list of a built-in function, use the Insert Function list.

Applying a function to an expression

Instead of a number, you can put any valid Mathcad expression in a function's argument list. For example,

w := 2       t := 2

f(w·t, 2) = 4.909

Note:

• When using expressions as arguments, you may find it convenient to select the expression and press the apostrophe (') to place parentheses around the expression. Then type the function name in front of the left parenthesis.

Debugging a function call

When evaluating a function, you may get any of a variety of error messages about the domain of the arguments. Some of these are specific to the built-in functions and operators which you are using in your expression, and some of them have to do with the type signature of the function - that is, the limits on the types of the arguments given the structure of the function itself.

When trying to interpret why a function call isn't evaluating, try to trace the error or look at the type signature by typing the name of the function and =.