SOLUTION: I am having a really hard time understanding polynomials. I just don't get what it means by "finite sum of terms where the exponents on the variables are non-negative integers." Ca

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I am having a really hard time understanding polynomials. I just don't get what it means by "finite sum of terms where the exponents on the variables are non-negative integers." Ca      Log On


   

Question 316563: I am having a really hard time understanding polynomials. I just don't get what it means by "finite sum of terms where the exponents on the variables are non-negative integers." Can you explain this in english please. :)
If I am understanding it right I would say that a polynomial is any number which has an exponent that is not negetive.
Is this correct?
I am trying to explain rational expressions. The numerator and denominator have to be polynomials. Is this correct?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Yes, it's fancy but it does have to be defined somehow.
f%28x%29=3x%5E3%2B9x%2B5 is a polynomial. All of the exponents of the variable terms are non-negative integers (3,1,0).
g%28x%29=2y%5E1.5%2B1%2Fy is not a polynomial. The exponents are 1.5 and -1 which violates the definition.
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Yes, a rational function is basically the division of two polynomials.