The Wright ω Function

Abstract

This paper defines the Wright ω function, and presents some of its properties. As well as being of intrinsic mathematical interest, the function has a specific interest in the context of symbolic computation and automatic reasoning with nonstandard functions. In particular, although Wright ω is a cognate of the Lambert W function, it presents a di#erent model for handling the branches and multiple values that make the properties of W difficult to work with. By choosing a form for the function that has fewer discontinuities (and numerical difficulties), we make reasoning about expressions containing such functions easier. A final point of interest is that some of the techniques used to establish the mathematical properties can themselves potentially be automated, as was discussed in a paper presented at AISC Madrid [3]