Struggling to Understand Polynomials?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ONANDY
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Polynomials
AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies that x^3/(2x^2-3x) is a rational function, not a polynomial, as it represents the ratio of two polynomials. It emphasizes that the function is undefined when the denominator equals zero and suggests solving the quadratic in the denominator for its roots. The conversation includes light-hearted banter, but the main focus remains on understanding the nature of polynomials versus rational functions. Additional resources for learning about polynomials are provided. Overall, the thread aims to assist those struggling with polynomial concepts.
ONANDY
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Need Some Help With Polynomials
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
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, x^3/(2x^2-3x) 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.
 
Thread 'Video on imaginary numbers and some queries'

Thread 'Video on imaginary numbers and some queries'

Hi, I was watching the following video. I found some points confusing. Could you please help me to understand the gaps? Thanks, in advance! Question 1: Around 4:22, the video says the following. So for those mathematicians, negative numbers didn't exist. You could subtract, that is find the difference between two positive quantities, but you couldn't have a negative answer or negative coefficients. Mathematicians were so averse to negative numbers that there was no single quadratic...
View full post »

Thread 'What Exactly is Dirac’s Delta Function? - Insight'

Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
View full post »
Thread 'Unit Circle Double Angle Derivations'

Thread 'Unit Circle Double Angle Derivations'

Here I made a terrible mistake of assuming this to be an equilateral triangle and set 2sinx=1 => x=pi/6. Although this did derive the double angle formulas it also led into a terrible mess trying to find all the combinations of sides. I must have been tired and just assumed 6x=180 and 2sinx=1. By that time, I was so mindset that I nearly scolded a person for even saying 90-x. I wonder if this is a case of biased observation that seeks to dis credit me like Jesus of Nazareth since in reality...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Finding polynomials with given roots
Replies
14
Views
2K
I Polynomials can be used to generate a finite string of primes....
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Why Is a Cubic Polynomial Called 'Third Degree'?
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Proof for interpolating polynomial and error approximation
Replies
6
Views
2K
B About a definition: What is the number of terms of a polynomial P(x)?
Replies
48
Views
3K
A How Are Stieltjes Polynomials Related to Legendre Polynomials?
Replies
12
Views
2K
MHB Find Cubic Function & Polynomial of Degree 3
Replies
5
Views
1K
I What type is a polynomial function?
Replies
7
Views
2K
MHB Area of the bounded regions between a straight line and a polynomial
Replies
1
Views
993
I A doubt about the multiplicity of polynomials in two variables
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top