limited-domain function
nounUK /ˈlɪmɪtɪd dəˈmeɪn ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /ˈlɪmɪtɪd doʊˈmeɪn ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A function that only works for certain input values.
The square root is a limited-domain function because it only accepts numbers that are zero or bigger.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A mathematical rule defined only on a subset of all possible inputs.
The function f(x) = 1/x is a limited-domain function since it cannot take x = 0.
3. A computer routine that only accepts a specific set of allowed values.
The login checker is a limited-domain function that only accepts valid usernames.
4. A mapping whose valid starting values are explicitly restricted.
In the textbook, the limited-domain function was drawn with a gap in its graph.