Looking for S-shaped function with range 0 to 1 (but not asymptotic)

In summary, the conversation discusses a function that starts at 0 for input x = 0+, and grows up to 1 at x = infinity. The function, Exp(-1 / x^2), and all its derivatives approach 0 as x -> 0. The conversation also mentions the possibility of taking the integral of any smooth function with a compact support and scaling it as needed to create a similar function. There is no closed form for the final S-shaped function, but there is a closed form for all derivatives.
  • #1
Swamp Thing
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At 02:08, this video shows a function that grows from exactly 0 at input x = 0+, up to 1 at ##x=\infty##.
Its value and all its derivatives approach 0 as x -> 0. The function is Exp(-1 / x^2).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwg_15a0DJo&t=146s

Q. : What function would have its value and all derivatives = 0 at 0+, then grow with x and attain a value of unity at x -> 1- with all derivatives also tending to zero as x -> 1- ?
 
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  • #3
Thanks, that's some good info.

They give the example of the bump function Exp( - 1 / (1-x^2)).
What is the integral of that? I'm not good at integrating expressions, so I tried Mathematica, which also couldn't come up with a closed form.

It would be nice to have a closed form for the final S-shaped function.
 
  • #4
There is no closed form of that, but you have a closed form for all derivatives.

You can try to splice together two functions of the shape of Exp(-1 / x^2) and 1-Exp(-1 / x^2), but I'm not sure if you can make all derivatives stay defined.
 

1. What is an S-shaped function?

An S-shaped function is a mathematical function that resembles the letter "S" when graphed. It starts off with a slow increase, then speeds up in the middle, and finally slows down again at the end. It is commonly used to model growth or change over time.

2. How is the range of 0 to 1 relevant in this context?

The range of 0 to 1 is relevant because it limits the output of the function to be between 0 and 1. This is useful for situations where the output needs to represent a probability or a proportion.

3. What does it mean for a function to be asymptotic?

An asymptotic function is one that approaches a certain value or line but never actually reaches it. In the context of an S-shaped function, this means that the curve will get closer and closer to the upper and lower limits, but will never actually touch them.

4. How is an S-shaped function different from other types of functions?

An S-shaped function is unique in that it has a distinct curve that resembles the letter "S". Other types of functions, such as linear, exponential, or logarithmic, have different shapes and patterns. Additionally, an S-shaped function is often used to model non-linear relationships, while other functions may be used to model linear relationships.

5. What are some real-world applications of an S-shaped function with a range of 0 to 1?

An S-shaped function with a range of 0 to 1 has many applications in various fields, such as biology, economics, and psychology. It can be used to model population growth, the adoption of new technologies, and the learning curve of individuals. It is also commonly used in logistic regression, which is a statistical method for predicting binary outcomes.

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