The function ɸx = log x satisfies the functional equation ɸxy = λɸx + μɸy + ϰ, where in this case x, y are complex variables, λ = μ = i, and ϰ = 2πi, o or − 2πi according as σ < − π, − π < σ < π, π < σ, where σ = arg x + arg y. Generalizing this situation, let A be a linear algebra with basis e1, …, en over the real or complex field and let ɸx be a complexvalued function of the hypercomplex variable x = Σξiei, i.e. of the n real or complex variables ξi. Assume that the gradient ∂ɸx, i.e. the column vector of partial derivatives {∂ɸx/∂ξi}, exists at a general point of A. Then ɸx is called an entropic function if it satisfies a functional equation of the above-mentioned form and obeys certain other postulates, ϰ being a step function of the two hypercomplex variables. Values of the constants λ, μ (complex numbers, not both zero) for which a solution exists are entropic roots of A. They are usually discrete.