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In mathematics, the floor function is the function that takes as input a real number x, and gives as output the greatest integer less than or equal to x, denoted ⌊x⌋ or floor(x). Similarly, the ceiling function maps x to the least integer greater than or equal to x , denoted ⌈ x ⌉ or ceil( x ) .
Other extensions of the factorial function do exist, but the gamma function is the most popular and useful. It appears as a factor in various probability-distribution functions and other formulas in the fields of probability , statistics , analytic number theory , and combinatorics .
TI SR-50A, a 1975 calculator with a factorial key (third row, center right) The factorial function is a common feature in scientific calculators. [73] It is also included in scientific programming libraries such as the Python mathematical functions module [74] and the Boost C++ library. [75]
Comparison of Stirling's approximation with the factorial. In mathematics, Stirling's approximation (or Stirling's formula) is an asymptotic approximation for factorials. It is a good approximation, leading to accurate results even for small values of .
Here, the expression = ()! is the binomial coefficient, and = () (+) is the "falling factorial" or "lower factorial", while the empty product (x) 0 is defined to be 1. In this particular case, there is an assumption of unit steps for the changes in the values of x , h = 1 of the generalization below.
function factorial (n is a non-negative integer) if n is 0 then return 1 [by the convention that 0! = 1] else if n is in lookup-table then return lookup-table-value-for-n else let x = factorial(n – 1) times n [recursively invoke factorial with the parameter 1 less than n] store x in lookup-table in the n th slot [remember the result of n! for ...
The Gamma and Pi functions Main article: Gamma function The Gamma function, as plotted here along the real axis, extends the factorial to a smooth function defined for all non-integer values. The factorial function, generalized to all complex numbers except negative integers. For example, 0! = 1! = 1, (−0.5)! = √π, (0.5)! = √π/2.
A general theory covering such relations, including the falling and rising factorial functions, is given by the theory of polynomial sequences of binomial type and Sheffer sequences. Falling and rising factorials are Sheffer sequences of binomial type, as shown by the relations: