factn

factn is a term used in knowledge representation to denote an individual factual assertion stored in a data system. The notation emphasizes indexing, with n representing a distinct fact within a collection. A factn is intended to be an atomic unit of information that can be stored, queried, versioned, and traced for provenance.

A typical factn comprises a subject, a predicate (relation), an object, and optional metadata such as a timestamp or provenance. When time or source is relevant, a factn can be represented as a quadruple or quintuple: (subject, predicate, object, time, provenance). The index n is often shown as part of the identifier, such as factn_n, to support incremental addition or revision without reordering existing facts.

Example: fact12 = (Earth, orbits, Sun). This illustrates a simple, time-agnostic factn. A time-annotated example could be fact13 = (Water, composed_of, Hydrogen and Oxygen, time=ancient, provenance=well_documented).

Uses and significance: factn concepts support modular data assembly in knowledge graphs, enabling clear versioning, provenance tracking, and conflict resolution when multiple sources supply competing assertions. They aid in organizing large datasets where the history or origin of each fact matters for validation and auditing. Factn-like constructs are commonly integrated into data pipelines, fact-checking workflows, and systems that require granular attribution of information.

See also: fact, assertion, knowledge graph, provenance, versioning, data integrity.