Re: cdt glossary [Function] (was: Terminology question)

I will try to do better on quoting...

<<every function is a relation>>
How do you exactly define a function?

If I apply the above definition therefore a trigonometric function is a relation, a linear function is a relation and ALL types of functions would be relations...A mathematical function is a transformation from a specific ensemble of values into a specific set of values. These values can be anything: numbers, strings or NTuple sets. A relation is nothing more but a specific type of function that transforms an N-Tuple set of possible tupples into one N-Tuple set . In such case, the range (range being defined as possible outputs), The domain is a tupple domain of possible values and the range is an NTuple set. As all functions do not respond to such definition therefore ALL functions are not relations but ALL relations are specific type of function.

The definition provided in the link presented is written by somebody who tries to redefine the mathematical construct of function according to elements that are specific to order which basically has been tried before with no success...Order is totally irrelevant to defining such abstract concept.

I rather stick to classical definitions of functions...

<<In mathematics, a function relates each of its inputs to exactly one
output. >> that all that can be said...A function is nothing else but a tranformation of an N element set into another N element set.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_%28mathematics%29 Received on Thu Sep 07 2006 - 10:09:54 CEST