noun a special activity or purpose of a person or thing
verb to work or operate in a proper or particular way
In mathematics, a function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of possible outputs where each input is related to exactly one output.
In statistics, functions are used to describe the distribution of data or to calculate probabilities.
In engineering, functions are used to describe the relationship between different variables in a system or process.
In economics, functions are used to model relationships between variables such as supply and demand or production and cost.
In computer science, a function is a block of code that performs a specific task. It can be called and executed within a program.
In the context of a writer, a function may refer to the role or purpose of a character within a story, the way in which a particular literary device operates, or the intended effect of a piece of writing on its audience.
In the context of a psychologist, a function may refer to a specific mental process or behavior, the purpose of a particular psychological assessment or intervention, or the role of a certain brain region in cognitive functioning.
In the context of a software engineer, a function may refer to a block of code that performs a specific task, a method within a class that encapsulates behavior, or a mathematical function used to calculate a result.
In the context of an accountant, a function may refer to the purpose of a financial statement, the role of accounting principles in preparing financial reports, or the operation of accounting software.
In the context of a doctor, a function may refer to the physiological role of an organ or body system, the purpose of a medical treatment or procedure, or the responsibilities of a particular medical specialty.
In the context of a teacher, a function may refer to the objectives of a lesson or curriculum, the role of assessment in measuring student learning, or the impact of teaching strategies on student outcomes.