Struggling to Understand Polynomials?

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    Polynomials
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding polynomials, with participants seeking clarification on their properties and definitions. The scope includes conceptual understanding and some technical aspects related to rational functions and polynomial expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help with polynomials but does not specify their question.
  • Another participant suggests that the initial query lacks specificity and prompts for more details.
  • A different participant asserts that the expression x^3/(2x^2-3x) is not a polynomial but a rational function, noting that it is the ratio of two polynomials and that it is undefined when the denominator is zero.
  • Some participants share light-hearted comments and jokes related to polynomials, indicating a casual tone in parts of the discussion.
  • There is confusion about whether the initial request is a question or a statement, with a participant seeking clarification on the intent behind the request.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial query, as it remains vague and open to interpretation. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the nature of the expression provided and the need for clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a lack of specificity in the initial question, which may lead to misunderstandings. The distinction between polynomials and rational functions is noted but not fully resolved.

ONANDY
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Need Some Help With Polynomials
 
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You will have to be a little bit more specific.
 
Since you weren't very specific, I'm going to guess your question and help you with it.

No, [tex]x^3/(2x^2-3x)[/tex] is not a polynomial; it's a rational function. You can think of this as the ratio of two polynomials. It doesn't exist when the 'denominator' polynomial has a zero. Can you solve that one? Hint: quadratics have two solutions (usually, and this one does). Be careful when dividing!

See
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Polynomial.html
for more information on polynomials.
 
Last edited:
ONANDY said:
Need Some Help With Polynomials
Polynomial rhymes on Binomial and Trichomial.
Hope this helped!:smile:
 
Vet: How did your parrot die?
Mathematician: Polynomial.

(PS - know this is no place for stupid jokes, but I had to. :biggrin: )
 
ONANDY said:
Need Some Help With Polynomials

Is this a question or a statement?

If it is a question, do you need help or are you offering it?

If it is a statement, I don't know what it means.
 

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