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Definition of the Signum Function


Date: 05/31/2000 at 15:34:02
From: David Little
Subject: Signum (calculus)

I am trying to find a simple definition of the signum function and any 
practical examples of its usage.

Date: 05/31/2000 at 15:43:47
From: Doctor Schwa
Subject: Re: Signum (calculus)

The function signum(x) is -1 when x is negative, 0 when x is 0, and 1 
when x is positive.

One practical application is that its integral is |x|. It's also very 
handy for piecing together any functions with discontinuities.

- Doctor Schwa, The Math Forum
  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/

Associated Topics:
High School Calculus
High School Functions
High School Number Theory

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