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Functional predicate

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The idea of the functional predicate allows mathematicians to extend the concept of function beyond specific sets.

A functional predicate F(x,y) is a predicate in two variables (in this case, x and y) such that F(x,y) and F(x,z) together imply y=z. If F(x,y) holds, then we may write F(x) = y.

Note that this permits us to speak of "functions" which act on all sets. In set theory, the relation f(x) = \{x\}, for example, cannot yield a function unless it is confined to a specific domain and range. However, we may speak of the functional predicate F(x,y) : = (y = \{x\}), which may be applied to any set. This permits us to speak of general functions on sets within the context of classical set theory.

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