SOLUTION: I understand a rational expression is the ratio of two polynomials (the denominator cannot equal zero). Example: (x^2 + 1)/(y - 2), where y not = 2, is a rational expression. S

Question 778259: I understand a rational expression is the ratio of two polynomials (the denominator cannot equal zero). Example: (x^2 + 1)/(y - 2), where y not = 2, is a rational expression.
Since a polynomial cannot have a negative exponent, (x^-2 + 1)/(y - 2) is not a rational expression. So is it correct to call it an "irrational" expression, even though it may or may not be equal to an irrational number (such as 1/3 for example)?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
No. It still is RATIONAL. You can multiply numerator and denominator by and the resulting expression will then be a rational expression having no negative exponents in numerator nor denominator. You should try the process and see yourself.

You need to be aware, that if you perform that process on your example expression, you must give yourself the restriction, x<>0, BECAUSE this is a necessary restriction in the originally given example.
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