Sign Function - Generalized Signum Function

Generalized Signum Function

At real values of, it is possible to define a generalized function–version of the signum function, such that everywhere, including at the point (unlike, for which ). This generalized signum allows construction of the algebra of generalized functions, but the price of such generalization is the loss of commutativity. In particular, the generalized signum anticommutes with the delta-function,

in addition, cannot be evaluated at ; and the special name, is necessary to distinguish it from the function . ( is not defined, but .)

Read more about this topic:  Sign Function

Famous quotes containing the words generalized and/or function:

    “One is conscious of no brave and noble earnestness in it, of no generalized passion for intellectual and spiritual adventure, of no organized determination to think things out. What is there is a highly self-conscious and insipid correctness, a bloodless respectability submergence of matter in manner—in brief, what is there is the feeble, uninspiring quality of German painting and English music.”
    —H.L. (Henry Lewis)

    “Uses are always much broader than functions, and usually far less contentious. The word function carries overtones of purpose and propriety, of concern with why something was developed rather than with how it has actually been found useful. The function of automobiles is to transport people and objects, but they are used for a variety of other purposes—as homes, offices, bedrooms, henhouses, jetties, breakwaters, even offensive weapons.”
    —Frank Smith (b. 1928)