Identify the function rule or equation
Determine the input values and output values
Substitute the given values into the function
Simplify the expression using order of operations
Solve for the unknown variable if needed
Check your answer by substituting it back into the function
Use a graph, table, or formula if the function is given in that form
Apply inverse operations to isolate the variable
Verify the domain and range if required
Confirm the final result matches the problem conditions