Ceiling Function

Pronunciation: /ˈsil.ɪŋ ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ Explain

Graph showing the ceiling function. A solid point at (-2,-1) is connected by a horizontal line to a hollow point at (-1,-1). A solid point at (-1,0) is connected by a horizontal line to a hollow point at (0,0). A solid point at (0,1) is connected by a horizontal line to a hollow point at (1,1). This pattern repeats infinitely in both directions.
Figure 1: Graph of the ceiling function

The ceiling function returns the smallest integer greater than or equal to the argument. The ceiling function of x is denoted x. In some computer languages the ceiling function is represented by 'ceil(x)'. The ceiling function is a type of step function.

Examples
xx
-4⌈-4⌉ = -4
-3.5⌈-3.5⌉ = -3
-0.5⌈-0.5⌉ = 0
0⌈0⌉ = 0
0.5⌈0.5⌉ = 1
1.375⌈1.375⌉ = 2
22.2⌈22.2⌉ = 23
1394.75⌈1394.75⌉ = 1395
Table 1

References

  1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, ceiling function. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 30. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book
  2. Bettinger, Alvin K. and Englund, John A.. Algebra and Trigonometry. pg 57. www.archive.org. Last Accessed 6/25/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/algebraandtrigon033520mbp#page/n74/mode/1up/search/greatest. Buy the book

More Information

  • McAdams, David E.. Floor Function. allmathwords.org. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. 6/27/2018. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/f/floorfunction.html.

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Ceiling Function. 4/13/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/c/ceilingfunction.html.

Image Credits

Revision History

3/1/2019: Corrected formatting. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
6/25/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup, updated GeoGebra apps. (McAdams, David E.)
11/19/2009: Added text about step function and ceil(). (McAdams, David E.)
10/25/2009: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)

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