2.3. f : R → R Defined Functions

By

In this section of the work, we will discuss more detailed functions where both the domain and codomain are real numbers (R). These functions will be referred to as Real-Valued Functions.

2.3.1. Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions are expressed in the form

f(x) = aₙxⁿ + aₙ₋₁xⁿ⁻¹ + … as follows.
Here:

  • aᵢ ∈ R: This is the coefficient of x, and each coefficient is a real number.
  • n ∈ N: The highest power of x, n, also represents the degree of the polynomial.
  • Degree 0: When n = 0, the polynomial becomes a constant function.
  • Degree 1: When n = 1, the polynomial becomes a linear equation.

2.3.2. Exponential Functions
Exponential functions are expressed in the form: 𝑎ˣ.

Here:

  • a > 0: a is a constant positive real number.
  • x ∈ R: The exponent is any real number.

In quantum computing:

  • a = 2 is taken.
    For example, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2ˣ. In this case, the function represents exponential growth.
  • Another common value is a = e,
    which is approximately 2.718, the base of the natural logarithm. In this case, the function is expressed as 𝑓(𝑥) = eˣ and is called the natural exponential function.

2.3.3. Logarithmic Function
Logarithmic functions are the inverses of exponential functions. The logarithmic function with base 2 is expressed as:

  • 𝑓(𝑥) = log₂𝑥, where 𝑦 is the value of the function and, equivalently, we get the relation 𝑥 = 2𝑦 

2.3.3.1. Properties of the Logarithmic Function:

  • The domain of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = log₂𝑥 is restricted to positive real numbers (ℝ⁺ = (0, +∞)). This is because the logarithm of 0 and negative numbers is not defined in the set of real numbers.
  • Logarithmic values can be calculated using the following formula:
    log₂𝑥 = log₁₀𝑥 / log₁₀2.