Constant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A constant in mathematics is an amount that does not change, over time or otherwise: it is a fixed value. In most fields of discourse the term is an antonym of "variable", but in mathematical parlance a mathematical variable may sometimes also be called a constant.
More particularly, the term constant has several uses:
- In mathematics and computer science:
- Mathematical constant, a number that arises naturally in mathematics, such as π and e
- A coefficient or other parameter in a formula; given as a number or as a variable, but not being considered one of the arguments
- The constant term of a polynomial (the term of degree 0)
- A constant function (a function that maps all arguments to one same value)
- The constant of integration, usually denoted by C and expressing a free parameter arising in integration
- Logical constant, a symbol in symbolic logic that has the same meaning in all models, such as the symbol "=" for "equals"
- Constant (programming), a name for a value that, unlike a variable, cannot be reassociated with a different value
- Constant time, or O(1) time, in computational complexity theory, meaning a computation time needed for solving a problem that does not depend on the size of the input data
- Exact trigonometric constants
- In physics and chemistry:
- Physical constant, a physical quantity that is generally believed to be both universal in nature and constant in time, such as c, the speed of light, or h, the Planck constant
- Cosmological constant, usually denoted by Λ, a parameter modifying the original equations of the theory of general relativity, introduced by Einstein and important for determining the ultimate fate of the universe as predicted by the theory
- Time constant, usually denoted by τ, a value characterizing the frequency response of a first-order, linear time-invariant system
- Reaction rate constant, often denoted k or λ, a value characterizing the speed of a chemical reaction
- People named Constant:
- Constans, a Roman Emperor who ruled from 337 to 350
- Constant Nieuwenhuys, a painter and member of the Situationist International
- Constant (given name)
- Constant (surname)
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