def get_multiplicative_cooling_schedule_function(cooling_ratio_multiplier):
    """ Returns a cooling schedule function of the form f(T) = a*T, "a" being the cooling ratio multiplier - a real
    number between 0 and 1 (As specified in the proforma)

    :param cooling_ratio_multiplier: real number a, 0 <= a <= 1
    :return: pointer to the cooling schedule function
    """
    if cooling_ratio_multiplier < 0 or cooling_ratio_multiplier > 1:
        raise Exception("The value for the cooling ration multiplier 'a' must be 0 <= a <= 1")

    def cooling_schedule(temperature):
        return cooling_ratio_multiplier * temperature
    return cooling_schedule