what is the function for input 3 and output 16?

"what is the function for input 3 and output 16?"

Should have read:
"what is a function for input 3 and output 16?" since many functions could fit the bill.

Examples:
f1(x)=x+13, so f1(3)=16
f2(x)=x²+7, so f2(3)=16
f3(x)=(x-1)^4, so f3(3)=16
....

To find the function for a given input and output, we need to determine the relationship between them. In this case, we are given an input of 3 and an output of 16.

To start, we can list out some possible mathematical operations to see if any of them fit the given input and output:
1. Addition: 3 + 13 ≠ 16, so addition is not the answer.
2. Subtraction: 3 - 13 ≠ 16, so subtraction is not the answer.
3. Multiplication: 3 * 13 ≠ 16, so multiplication is not the answer.
4. Division: 3 / 13 ≠ 16, so division is not the answer.
5. Exponentiation: 3^13 ≠ 16, so exponentiation is not the answer.

Since none of the above operations yield the desired output of 16 for the input of 3, we can conclude that there is no simple mathematical function that can be applied to obtain the given output.

However, it is important to note that this answer assumes we are limited to basic arithmetic operations. If we allow more complicated mathematical functions or a combination of operations, then it is possible that a suitable function exists. But based on the information given, we cannot determine the function with certainty.