Multi-valued

Multi-valued describes something that can have multiple values or interpretations, rather than being limited to a single, specific value. This concept is prevalent in mathematics, computer science, logic, and even philosophy. It signifies the potential for ambiguity, flexibility, or the expression of complex relationships where a simple one-to-one mapping is insufficient. In contrast to single-valued entities, which have a unique value, multi-valued entities can accommodate various possibilities or outcomes, reflecting uncertainty, choice, or the multifaceted nature of the represented data or concept.

Multi-valued meaning with examples

• In a database, a 'hobbies' field for a person is often multi-valued because an individual can have multiple hobbies. This contrasts with a 'date of birth' field, which is typically single-valued. This allows comprehensive data representation and avoids the need for multiple rows or complex relational structures to store the varied hobbies.
• Certain mathematical functions are multi-valued; for instance, the square root function. A number can have two square roots, a positive and a negative value. This means that for one input, we obtain a set of outputs. Complex numbers especially benefit this multi-valued nature, leading to multiple results.
• Consider a variable in a programming language designed to store the results of a query that may return multiple rows. It would be declared as multi-valued to accommodate several outcomes or records, compared with variables designed to accept unique results.
• When making an art selection, your personal response can be multi-valued: you may see beauty, reflect on history, and feel certain emotions simultaneously. A single-valued response is unlikely as art is often open to interpretation.
• In logic, the truth value of a proposition in certain systems is sometimes multi-valued, not just true or false, but perhaps also representing possibilities, uncertainty, or degrees of truth. This extends to other types of logic which have different meanings.