single-valued function
- noun
- /ˈsɪŋɡəlˈveɪləd ˈfʌŋkʃən/
- Specialized
- The teacher explained that a single-valued function has a unique output for each input value.
Examples
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It says if one and only one value of West corresponds to each value of Z, we see that W is a single valued function of Z or that F of Z is single valued.
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In mathematics, a single-valued function assigns exactly one output for every input in its domain.
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To be classified as a single-valued function, a relation must map each input to only one output.
Synonyms
A rule in math or computing that gives one output for each input
A rule that links each item in one set to one in another
A rule that links each thing in one group to a thing in another group
A rule that gives each item in one group exactly one item in another group
Antonyms
How Many Values
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
single-valued + function
The term is compositionally built from 'single' (one) + 'valued' (having a value) and 'function' (a mapping), so the idea that each input maps to one output is directly derivable from the constituents. Although it's a technical mathematical phrase, the compounding follows regular English patterns, making it understandable to a B1 learner who knows the component words.
Etymology
Single-valued function is like a button on a vending machine: press the same button (the input) and the machine gives one specific snack (the value) every time. So a single-valued function means 'one output for each input', never more than one.