Definition:Function

Definition
The process which is symbolised by an operation is called a function.

The operand(s) of the operation can be considered to be the input(s).

The output of the function is whatever the operation is defined as doing with the operand(s).

A function is in fact another name for a mapping, but while the latter term is used in the general context of set theory and abstract algebra, the term function is generally reserved for mappings between sets of numbers.

Also known as
When there is a need to distinguish between this and a partial function, a function is sometimes referred to as a total function.

When there is a need to distinguish between this and a multifunction, the term one-valued function or uniform function can be used, but this is rarely seen.

Also see

 * Definition:Mapping


 * Definition:Real Function
 * Definition:Real-Valued Function


 * Definition:Complex Function
 * Definition:Complex-Valued Function


 * Definition:Truth Function
 * Definition:Propositional Function


 * Definition:Partial Function
 * Definition:Multifunction