Output functions are mathematical expressions that describe how a system produces results based on given inputs. In economics, for example, an output function can represent the relationship between the quantity of goods produced and the resources used, such as labor and capital. This helps businesses understand how efficiently they can convert inputs into outputs. In programming, output functions refer to commands that display or return data to the user. For instance, in the Python programming language, the `print()` function is commonly used to show information on the screen. These functions are essential for providing feedback and results from computations or processes.