Is 1/a a polynomial?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the expression 1/a can be classified as a polynomial. A polynomial is generally defined as a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The user wishes to understand if 1/a fits this definition.
Answer
Not a polynomial
1/a is not a polynomial.
Answer for screen readers
1/a is not a polynomial.
More Information
A polynomial is an expression consisting only of variables and coefficients, raised to non-negative integer powers. Since 1/a can be rewritten as a^-1, it includes a negative exponent, and thus, is not considered a polynomial.
Tips
One common mistake is to forget that polynomials do not include negative or fractional exponents.
Sources
- Why isn't $ rac{1}{x}$ a polynomial? - Mathematics Stack Exchange - math.stackexchange.com
- Types of Polynomials - Classifying Polynomials Based on Degree ... - cuemath.com
- Polynomial - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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