# Mathematical notation for the maximum of a set of function values

I have a question about the proper notation of the following (simplified) example:

I want to express that I have a value alpha, which is the maximum of a set of n values. Each value in the set is the result of a function $f(x)$, and the range of $x$ is between $1$ and $n$.

So something like

$$\alpha = \max(\{f(x) : x = 1,\ldots,n\}).$$

Is this a proper notation? If not, how would I properly express this? It's too long ago for me studying this sort of thing to convince myself I'm writing it down right.

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## 1 Answer

Your notation looks fine. You could also use the more informal $\alpha = \max(\{f(x_1),\ldots,f(x_n)\})$ or even $\alpha = \max(f(x_1),\ldots,f(x_n))$.

Finally, you could say that $\alpha$ is the maximum (or maximal) value among $f(x_1),\ldots,f(x_n)$, or that $\alpha$ is the maximum (or maximal) value attained by $f$ on the points $x_1,\ldots,x_n$.

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Thank you ever so much. It's one of those things where you want to be sure before sending the document out the door. – Bart May 23 '11 at 16:59
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