Operators and functions

**SW VandeCarr** · Jul2-09, 06:03 PM

Is there a fundamental difference between operators and functions?

For example we could have F(x,y)=x+y or we could write SUM(x,y) where SUM is a defined operation in some program. Could operators be considered a particular type of function?

**Moo Of Doom** · Jul2-09, 06:13 PM

Yes. Any binary operation on

is simpy a function from $LaTeX Code: S \\times S \\to S$ . We use infix notation (that is, we write the function in between the operands as in x + y instead of +(x, y) ) out of convenience and familiarity.

**SW VandeCarr** · Jul3-09, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Moo Of Doom

Yes. Any binary operation on is simpy a function from $LaTeX Code: S \\times S \\to S$ . We use infix notation (that is, we write the function in between the operands as in x + y instead of +(x, y) ) out of convenience and familiarity.

Thanks Moo Of Doom. I was pretty sure of this, but math texts usually use these in terms in distinct ways.

**HallsofIvy** · Jul3-09, 04:33 PM

Moo of Doom talked about "operations". Your question was about "operators". Generally, an "operator" is a function defined on functions as opposed to functions on numbers.

**SW VandeCarr** · Jul3-09, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by HallsofIvy

Moo of Doom talked about "operations". Your question was about "operators". Generally, an "operator" is a function defined on functions as opposed to functions on numbers.

Then SUM(x,y) would not be read as an operator on (x,y), but rather as an operation on (x,y)?

**HallsofIvy** · Jul3-09, 06:41 PM

Yes, that is true. The original post was ambiguous.