What is Function: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In mathematics, a function is a binary relation between two sets that associates to each element of the first set exactly one element of the second set. Typical examples are functions from integers to integers, or from the real numbers to real numbers.
Functions were originally the idealization of how a varying quantity depends on another quantity. For example, the position of a planet is a function of time. Historically, the concept was elaborated with the infinitesimal calculus at the end of the 17th century, and, until the 19th century, the functions that were considered were differentiable (that is, they had a high degree of regularity). The concept of a function was formalized at the end of the 19th century in terms of set theory, and this greatly enlarged the domains of application of the concept.
A function is a process or a relation that associates each element x of a set X, the domain of the function, to a single element y of another set Y (possibly the same set), the codomain of the function. It is customarily denoted by letters such as f, g and h.If the function is called f, this relation is denoted by y = f (x) (which reads "f of x"), where the element x is the argument or input of the function, and y is the value of the function, the output, or the image of x by f. The symbol that is used for representing the input is the variable of the function (e.g., f is a function of the variable x).A function is uniquely represented by the set of all pairs (x, f (x)), called the graph of the function. When the domain and the codomain are sets of real numbers, each such pair may be thought of as the Cartesian coordinates of a point in the plane. The set of these points is called the graph of the function; it is a popular means of illustrating the function.
Functions are widely used in science, and in most fields of mathematics. It has been said that functions are "the central objects of investigation" in most fields of mathematics.

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  1. E

    MHB Express in terms of sine function of f(x)=sinx+cosx

    f(x)=sinx+cosx getting really frustrated with my math teacher. gives us forumlas for things but then barely shows us how to use them if at all and then throws problems at that we have to make sense of ourself. why can't math teachers teach? anyway, the question is express f(x)=sinx+cosx in...
  2. J

    B Quantum field theory and the collapse of the wave function

    Hi everyone! Sorry for the bad english! So, just a quick doubt... Does things collapse from a wave of probability into a quantum field or is the wave in the quantum field the probabilistic wave itself? An example to make it clearer: Suppose we have an atom, it enters an atom interferometer, it...
  3. Floro Ortiz

    A Inverse Laplace of an Overwhelming Function

    Hello, guys. I'm currently working on a physics problem that requires me to evaluate the inverse Laplace of the function in the attached file. When b = 0, "y" vanishes, and all one has to do is to look up the Laplace table for the inverse. However, non-zero b has been giving me a headache. I...
  4. V

    Proving the range of a piecewise function

    Homework Statement Allow f:ℤ→ℤ be defined by, for all n∈ℤ f(n) = {n-1 if n is even, n+5 if n is odd Prove that ran(f) = ℤ Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I am unsure of how exactly to prove this due to the fact now I am working with a piecewise function. Here is what I have so...
  5. Othman0111

    Bessel Function Boundary Condition on the top of a Cylinder

    Hi everyone, I'm working through the boundary conditions and I could not figure out what to do with the last boundary condition (when z=L) I know that the values for K are: How so? 1. Homework Statement A hollow right angle cylinder of radius a and length l. The sides and bottom are...
  6. F

    How Is the Position Function H(t) for a Yo-Yo Derived in Calculus?

    H(t) = t^3-6t^2+5t+30 this is a yo yo 30 inches above ground at t =0, at 4 secs it is 18 inches above ground. Please tell me how these figures are derived; t^3,6t^2, 5t; I realize the 30 is initial position. I am 81 but very curious. Thank you.
  7. E

    Curiosity about why this is not a Function composition

    Homework Statement If ##f\left(x\right) = x^2 + 2x + 2##, find two functions ##g## for which ##\left(f \circ g\right)\left(x\right) = x^2 - 4x + 5##. Homework Equations If ##f\left(x\right) = x^2 + 2x + 2##, then ##\left(f \circ g\right)\left(x\right) = g\left(x\right)^2 + 2g\left(x\right) +...
  8. V

    Finding a useful denial of a injective function and a surjective function

    Homework Statement Find the useful denial of a injective function and a surjective function. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I know a one to one function is (∀x1,x2 ∈ X)(x1≠x2 ⇒ f(x1) ≠ f(x2)). So would the useful denial be (∃x1,x2 ∈ X)(x1 ≠ x2 ∧ f(x1) = f(x2))? I know a onto...
  9. C

    Trig function equation: d=4(sin5t-4cos6t)

    Homework Statement 1. A weight hangs from a spring. If a force is applied to the weight at t = 0 seconds, it will start moving up and down. The following equation gives the distance d, in centimetres, of the weight from its equilibrium point: d=4(sin5t-4cos6t) At what times during the...
  10. chwala

    Probability generating function when x is even

    Homework Statement [/B] A random variable x has a probability function ##G(t)##. Show that the probability that ##x## takes an even value is ## \frac 1 2 ( 1+G(-1))##Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] ##G(t)= \sum_{k=0}^\infty p_k t^k ##... ## 1=P(X=even)+ P(X=odd)##...1 ##G(-1)=...
  11. Robin04

    Density function, calculating the mass

    Homework Statement The density of a rod in function of space is given as ##\rho (x)=\frac{c}{x^2}## 1. What kind of density is this? 2. What is the dimension of ##c##? 3. What is the mass of the rod in the intervals - [1 m, 2 m], - (1 m, 2 m), - (0 m, 1 m), - [0 m, 1 m]? 4. Can a plate with...
  12. Yourong Zang

    Eigensolution of the wave function in a potential field.

    1. Homework Statement Consider a potential field $$V(r)=\begin{cases}\infty, &x\in(-\infty,0]\\\frac{\hslash^2}{m}\Omega\delta(x-a), &x\in(0,\infty)\end{cases}$$ The eigenfunction of the wave function in this field suffices...
  13. Yourong Zang

    A Confusing eigensolutions of a wave function

    Consider a potential cavity $$V(r)=\begin{cases}\infty, &x\in(-\infty,0]\\\frac{\hslash^2}{m}\Omega\delta(x-a), &x\in(0,\infty)\end{cases}$$ The eigenfunction of the wave function in this field suffices $$-\frac{\hslash^2}{2m}\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2}+\frac{\hslash^2}{m}\Omega\delta(x-a)\psi=E\psi$$...
  14. S

    B Can a function become surjective by restricting its codomain?

    wikipedia says: "The exponential function, g: R → R, g(x) = ex, is not bijective: for instance, there is no x in R such that g(x) = −1, showing that g is not onto (surjective). However, if the codomain is restricted to the positive real numbers R+, then g becomes bijective; its inverse is the...
  15. NihalRi

    Function Continuity Proof in Real Analysis

    Homework Statement We've been given a set of hints to solve the problem below and I'm stuck on one of them Let f:[a,b]->R , prove, using the hints below, that if f is continuous and if f(a) < 0 < f(b), then there exists a c ∈ (a,b) such that f(c) = 0 Hint let set S = {x∈[a,b]:f(x)≤0} let c =...
  16. D

    Determine the angular velocity as a function of the angle

    Homework Statement A solid body begins to rotate around a fixed axis with angular acceleration ##\beta=\beta_0\cosφ##, where ##\beta_0## is a constant vector, ##φ##, is the angle of rotation of the body from initial position. Determine the angular velocity of this body as a function of the...
  17. W

    I State functions in Grand Canonical Ensemble vs Canonical

    Hi all, I am slightly confused with regard to some ideas related to the GCE and CE. Assistance is greatly appreciated. Since the GCE's partition function is different from that of the CE's, are all state variables that are derived from the their respective partition functions still equal in...
  18. hnnhcmmngs

    Limit of a multivariable function

    Homework Statement If possible, calculate the following limit: \lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow (0,0)} {\frac{2x^2 + 3y^2}{5xy}} Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a Solution [/B] I tried using both parametric and polar equations to find the limit, but neither worked. Setting either x or y...
  19. W

    I Continuity of Green's function

    Why can't G and its derivative be continuous in the relation below? $$p(x)\dfrac{dG}{dx} \Big|_{t-\epsilon}^{t+\epsilon} +\int_{t-\epsilon}^{t+\epsilon} q(x) \;G(x,t) dx = 1$$
  20. nomadreid

    I Hausdorff dimension of Riemann zeta function assuming RH

    In several places, for example https://xxx.lanl.gov/pdf/chao-dyn/9406003v1, it is claimed that the Riemann zeta function is a fractal under the assumption of a positive result for the Riemann Hypothesis, because (1) the Voronin Universality Theorem, and (2) if the RH is true, then the zeta...
  21. Clara Chung

    I Question about divergence theorem and delta dirac function

    How do you prove 1.85 is valid for all closed surface containing the origin? (i.e. the line integral = 4pi for any closed surface including the origin)
  22. S

    B Expectation of probability density function

    E(X) of probability density function f(x) is \int x f(x) dx E(X2) of probability density function f(x) is \int x^2 f(x) dx Can I generalize it to E(g(x)) of probability density function f(x) = \int g(x). f(x) dx ? I tried to find E(5 + 10X) from pdf. I did two ways: 1. I found E(X) then using...
  23. V

    A Function and its Domain, Codomain and Image

    Homework Statement Find a function where the domain is integers, codomain is real numbers, and image isn't equal to codomain. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I know that it means that when I plug in an integer I will obtain a real number, but how do I make it so that the image is...
  24. D

    B Are f(x) and f(-x) Equivalent Functions?

    Hi. If I have a function for example f( x ) = x2 + x then to obtain f( -x) I just put (-x) in place of the x in f(x) so I get f( -x) = x2 - x Am I right so far ? So f(x) and f(-x) look like different functions but if you put a negative number in f(-x) it flips the -x back to +x so are f(x) and...
  25. EEristavi

    Taylor/Maclaurin series of a function

    Homework Statement Obtain Maclaurin Series for: f(x) = sin(x2)/x Homework Equations f(x) = ∑f(n)(c) (x-c)n / n! (for Maclaurin c = 0) The Attempt at a Solution I know that sin(x2) = x2 - (x2*3/3! +... from the final answer I see, that this is just multiplied to 1/x. This bothers me...
  26. W

    Parameters of a non-standard second-order transfer function

    For a standard second-order system, its transfer function is G(s) = ω2/(s2 + 2ζω + ω2) where ω is the natural frequency and ζ is the damping ratio. But for a non-standard second-order transfer function, G(s) = (2s + 1)/(s2 + 2s + 5), what are its natural frequency and damping ratio? Thank you!
  27. CharlieCW

    Finding electric potential using Green's function

    Homework Statement We have two semi-infinite coplanar planes defined by z=0, one corresponding to x<0 set at potential zero, and one corresponding to x> set to potential ##V_0##. a) Find the Green function for the potential in this region b) Find the potential ##\Phi(r)## for all points in...
  28. M

    MHB Finding Constants for a Piecewise Defined Function

    hi(Smile) I need some start help finding the two constants a and b: Do i start like this?: \lim_{{x}\to{6-}} (20) = \lim_{{x}\to{6+}} (8x+a)
  29. N

    Catastrophic cancellation with a specific function

    I've been playing around with this function of two variables: xy (eax-eay)/(xeax-yeay ) where a is a positive parameter. Now, when x and y are very large and close to each other in size, this seems to easily lead to catastrophic cancellation and computational problems. One thing that seems...
  30. O

    I Showing that a function is analytic

    Say we have ##P_k(z)## a family of entire functions, and they depend analytically on ##k## in ##\Delta##. Assume ##P_k(z)## is nonzero on ##S^1## for all ##k##. How do I see that for each ##t \ge 0##, we have that$$\sum_{|z| < 1, P_k(z) = 0} z^t$$is an analytic function of ##k##? Here, the zeros...
  31. R

    Exponential function with negative base

    Homework Statement -2^x = y Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution When I plug this function in my graphing calculator, it appears to be 2^x reflected across the x axis. This doesn't make sense to me. For example, for x values of 1 and 2, the value of y is not on the same half of the...
  32. YoungPhysicist

    So, ##f(1) = -1~.##How can I find the value of f(1)

    Homework Statement $$f(x+\frac{1}{x}) = x^2+\frac{1}{x^2}\\ f(1) = ?$$ Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I thought maybe I can find a ##x## that ##x+\frac{1}{x} =1## that I can substitute, but that ##x## is a imaginary number so I am not sure what should I do next.
  33. CivilSigma

    Integral of a Recursive Function

    Homework Statement Find the following: $$ \int_0^\inf \frac{x^{a+1}e^{-x/\delta}}{\delta^{a+1}\Gamma(a+1)} dx; \, a > 1 , \delta >0 , 0 \leq x \leq \inf$$ Homework Equations - The Attempt at a Solution The numerator in the integral is constant, so it can be taken outside the integral. I then...
  34. CivilSigma

    Characteristic Function Integrand Evaluation

    Homework Statement [/B] I am trying to determien the characteristic function of the function: $$ f(x)= ae^{-ax}$$ $$\therefore E(e^{itx}) =\int_0^\infty e^{itx}ae^{-ax} dx = a \cdot \frac{e}{it-a} |_0 ^ \infty $$ But I am not sure how to evaluate the integral. Wolfram alpha suggests this...
  35. P

    Mean, variance and correlation function of Langevin equation

    Homework Statement I have simulated Langevin equation (numerically in Matlab) for some specific conditions, so I have obtained the solution ##X(t)##. But now, with the solution I have obtained, I have to calculate ## <X(t)|x_0>, <X^2(t)|x_0>-(<X(t)|x_o>)^2 ## and the conditional correlation...
  36. YoungPhysicist

    Find the inverse function of ##f(x) =x^4+2x^2##

    Homework Statement Find the inverse function of ##f(x) =x^4+2x^2, x>0## Homework Equations ##f(f^{-1}(x)) = x## The Attempt at a Solution My only progress so far is ##x^4+2x^2 = x^2(x^2+2)## Then I am stuck. Since my progress is close to nothing so I don’t expect a complete...
  37. A

    I Why is there this extra term for this correlation function?

    Let's say we have a Dirac field ##\Psi## and a scalar field ##\varphi## and we want to compute this correlation function $$<0|T \Psi _\alpha (x) \Psi _\beta (y) \varphi (z_1) \varphi (z_2)|0>$$ $$= \frac {1}{i} \frac{\delta}{\delta \overline{\eta}_\alpha(x)} i \frac{\delta}{\delta \eta_\beta(y)}...
  38. D

    I Derivative of f() as a function of a Laplacian

    I need a little help with understanding a differential relationship between functions. If g and f are vector fields and f(g(x,y),q(x,y))=∇2g(x,y) How could you, if possible, express ∂f/∂g explicitly? Please help a bit confused.
  39. YoungPhysicist

    Determine whether a logarithmic function is odd or even

    Homework Statement Determine function $$f(x) = \log(\sqrt{x^2+1}+x)$$ Is odd or even. Homework Equations ##\log(a+b) = \log(a) + \log(1+b/a)## The Attempt at a Solution First I thought it is a even function without considering the x at the end, which of course isn't the actual case. Then I...
  40. V

    MHB Solve Image of f(x)=-2(x+1)/(x-1)^2 in x from [0,1)U(1,3]

    I have the next function: f(x)= -2(x+1)/(x-1)^2 x is from [0,1)U(1,3] I need to find the image of the function which is (-infinity, -2].I tried with the derivative but when I solve f'(x)=0 I obtain x=-3 which is not from x interval.I don't know how to continue.
  41. H

    I Can function transformation result in a constant variation?

    Given a scalar function, we consider the following transformation: $$\delta f(x) = f'(x') - f(x) $$ Given a coordinate transformation $$x' = g(x)$$ But since ##f(x)## is a scalar isn't it true that ##f'(x') = f(x) ## Then the variation is always zero? What am I missing?
  42. Specter

    Differentiating a a rational function

    Homework Statement Find the first and second derivatives of ##\displaystyle f(x)=\frac {1} {x^2+6}## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] ##\displaystyle f(x)=\frac {1} {x^2+6}## ##\displaystyle f(x)=(x^2+6)^{-1}## ##\displaystyle f'(x)=-1(2x)(x^2+6)^{-2}## ##\displaystyle...
  43. M

    On the convergence of the three body disturbing function

    For the three-body-disturbing function expanded in multipolar orders with respect to the ratio of the semi major axes, the function converges for small ratios, how to check the convergence for a certain set of parameters? I'm using the work of the Laskar in his paper "Explicit expansion of the...
  44. K

    I Which function space do square waves span?

    Hello! As the topic suggests I´m interested which functions space square waves span? Lets say we define them as https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/5b8953debf86627276f45bf8822140ff2bbaee56 . Do they span the same space as the sines and cosines in Fourier analysis? :/ Thanks!
  45. YoungPhysicist

    Find the function that matches the equation

    Homework Statement ##3f(x)+2f(\frac{1}{x}) = x##, solve ##f(x)## Homework Equations Not sure.Maybe the ones of inverse functions. The Attempt at a Solution The only thing that I came up so far is that the function’s highest order term is ##x## because if there are higher orders,it will show...
  46. Specter

    How do I differentiate the function F(x)=4^{3x}+e^{2x}?

    Homework Statement Differentiate ##F(x)=4^{3x}+e^{2x}## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I have an exam coming up and need some help with this problem. ##F(x)=4^{3x}+e^{2x}## ##f(x)=4^{3x}## ##G(x)=e^{2x}## First I need to find f'(x) and g'(x), which I thought I did correctly...
  47. Another

    I Please help explain the probability density function

    ##E = \frac{1}{2}(kx^2+m \dot{x}^2)## ## \frac{2E - kx^2}{m}=\dot{x}^2## ##\frac{dx}{dt} = \sqrt{\frac{2E - kx^2}{m}}## or ## dt = \sqrt{\frac{m}{2E - kx^2}}dx ## ⇒##= \frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{2E - kx^2}{m}}}dx## My Question please help me. 1. I know ##T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} .## but i don't...
  48. F

    A Entangled wave function solved perturbatively

    Can the wave function for entangled particles be solved perturbatively? Are there virtual processes involved with this? Thanks again.
  49. Sandeep T S

    I Wave function collapse in a double slit experiment

    Is anyone did experiment on wave function collapse in double slit experiment. Could you please share information about that, and also share research paper about that experiment. What kind of observation done here, what kind of equipment used for that?
  50. T

    Stat-Mech problem: pressure from a partition function

    Homework Statement A vessel having a volume ##V## initially contains ##N## atoms of dilute (ideal) helium gas in thermal equilibrium with the surroundings at a temperature ##T##, with initial pressure ##P_{i} (T ,V ) = \frac{NRT}{V}## . After some time, a number of helium atoms adhere to the...
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