In mathematics, a constant function is a function whose values do not vary and thus are constant. For example the function f(x) = 4 is constant since f maps any value to 4. More formally, a function f : A → B is a constant function if f(x) = f(y) for all x and y in A.
Every empty function is constant, vacuously, since there are no x and y in A for which f(x) and f(y) are different when A is the empty set.
In the context of polynomial functions, a non-zero constant function is called a polynomial of degree zero.
A function is said to be identically zero if it takes the value 0 for every argument; it is then trivially a constant function.
Read more about Constant Function: Properties
Famous quotes containing the words constant and/or function:
“The water never formed to mind or voice,
Like a body wholly body, fluttering
Its empty sleeves; and yet its mimic motion
Made constant cry,”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“The information links are like nerves that pervade and help to animate the human organism. The sensors and monitors are analogous to the human senses that put us in touch with the world. Data bases correspond to memory; the information processors perform the function of human reasoning and comprehension. Once the postmodern infrastructure is reasonably integrated, it will greatly exceed human intelligence in reach, acuity, capacity, and precision.”
—Albert Borgman, U.S. educator, author. Crossing the Postmodern Divide, ch. 4, University of Chicago Press (1992)