# Defining functions that reference other values

How could I define a function that references other values?

eg

a = 2 x; b = 4 k;
f[k_, x_] := a^b

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For reasons explained here, I would strongly advise against using this kind of constructs, which in essence use global variables. However, if you must do this, here is one easy way:

ClearAll[a, b, x, k, f];
a = 2 x; b = 4 k;
f[k_, x_] =  a^b


that is, use Set instead of SetDelayed - in which case your r.h.s. will be computed at the time of the assignment.

Here is another method, which might be somewhat safer:

ClearAll[a, b, x, k, f];
a = 2 x; b = 4 k;
f[kk_, xx_] := Block[{x = xx, k = kk}, a^b]


that is, use Block to dynamically localize x and k, then call your code (a^b here).

But again, the best (safest) way is to make all functions (a and b here) explicitly take the parameters, and pass the parameters explicitly (as explained in the link I gave).

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@ Leonid Shifrin, thank you for your answer - it is not absolutely necessary for me, so I think I will take your advice & keep it all within the function definition itself (though it is rather long!) - but it is good to know that there is a way - again, many thanks for your help on this - I will have a look at the link you provided to understand better the technical aspects. – martin Dec 17 '13 at 19:44
@martin - section 4.5 here has a nice explanation of Block. – Chris Degnen Dec 17 '13 at 20:12