document.write( "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.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "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)? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #474507 by josgarithmetic(39618) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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No. It still is RATIONAL. You can multiply numerator and denominator by $\"x%5E2\"$ 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.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "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. \n" ); document.write( "

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