Definition:Special Function

Definition

Special functions are particular functions which have more or less established names and notations due to their importance in, for example, analysis, functional analysis or physics.

There is no general formal definition, but the list of mathematical functions contains functions which are commonly accepted as special.

Also see

• Results about special functions can be found here.

Sources

• 1961: Ian N. Sneddon: Special Functions of Mathematical Physics and Chemistry (2nd ed.) ... (next): Chapter $\text I$: Introduction: $\S 1$. The origin of special functions
• 1992: Larry C. Andrews: Special Functions of Mathematics for Engineers (2nd ed.) ... (next): Preface to the First Edition