SOLUTION: This is for polynomials: Does p(x) mean a polynomial p in the variable x or does it mean a polynomial p in x?

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: This is for polynomials: Does p(x) mean a polynomial p in the variable x or does it mean a polynomial p in x?      Log On


   

Question 977388: This is for polynomials:
Does p(x) mean a polynomial p in the variable x or does it mean a polynomial p in x?
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, Edwin McCravy:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Does p(x) mean a polynomial p in the variable x or a polynomial p in x?
======================
It's a polynomial in the variable x, or a function in the variable x.
-----
A polynomial in x is the same thing, just a "shorthand" way of saying it.
===============
It's like saying "solve for x" vs. "solve for the variable x."

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20059) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is only a matter of semantics.

Sometimes we say

p(x) is a polynomial p in the variable x. 

and other times we say

p(x) is a polynomial p in x. 

It's your choice to either put in the words "the variable" or leave them out.

Ask your teacher which one he or she prefers.

But, as I said above, it's just a matter of preference which you say.
It makes no difference whatever mathematically speaking.

Edwin