Algebra I

Functions are just equations with the f(x) at the beginning instead of a y. They can be solved the same way. The reason they're written differently is because they refer to all possible values, not just a single value of x and a single value of y.

Don't let the f(x) confuse you. In Algebra I, you'll typically see equations because they're easier for learners to understand. In higher math, you'll see functions almost all the time because they're more accurate. But they solve the exact same way.