signfunction
nounUK /saɪn ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /saɪn ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A sign function is a math rule that tells you if a number is positive, negative, or zero.
The sign function gives 1 for 5, -1 for -5, and 0 for 0.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A function that returns -1, 0, or 1 depending on whether its input is negative, zero, or positive.
Mathematicians write the sign function as sgn(x).
3. In computing, a routine that reports whether a value is less than, equal to, or greater than zero.
The program used a sign function to sort the numbers.
4. A symbol or indicator that shows the direction or nature of something.
The arrow acts as a sign function for the path.