Please tell me the polynomials and why are they polynomials. Thank you for your time.
Which of the following are polynomial functions?
f(x) = 0
f(x) = -9
f(x) = 3 + 1
f(x) = 1/2 + 8
f(x) = 32 + 2
f(x) = 45/84
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Let’s determine which of the following are polynomial functions and explain why they are or are not classified as polynomials.
Given Functions:
- f(x) = 0
- f(x) = -9
- f(x) = 3 + 1
- f(x) = 1/2 + 8
- f(x) = 32 + 2
- f(x) = 45/84
Correct Answer:
All of the given functions are polynomial functions.
Explanation (300+ Words):
A polynomial function is defined as a mathematical expression that is made up of terms involving variables raised to non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. A polynomial can also have constants (real numbers), and it can be of degree 0 if it does not involve any variables.
Let’s examine each function:
- f(x) = 0
This is a constant function. Even though it looks simple, it’s still a polynomial. It is called the zero polynomial, and its degree is sometimes considered undefined or negative infinity, but it is still classified as a polynomial. - f(x) = -9
This is also a constant function, which is a polynomial of degree 0. It has no variables, but constants are considered valid polynomial functions. - f(x) = 3 + 1 = 4
This simplifies to a constant, f(x) = 4, which is again a polynomial of degree 0. - f(x) = 1/2 + 8 = 8.5 or 17/2
A rational number (like 17/2) without any variables is still a constant polynomial. No problem here—this is a polynomial of degree 0. - f(x) = 32 + 2 = 34
This simplifies to a constant again. Constants qualify as polynomials of degree 0. - f(x) = 45/84
This is a rational number and also a constant. Despite the fraction, there’s no variable with a negative exponent or any disqualifying property. So it is also a polynomial of degree 0.
Summary:
All these expressions are constant functions, and constant functions are always polynomial functions (with degree 0). Even when they involve fractions or combine integers, as long as there are no variables raised to negative or fractional powers, square roots of variables, or variables in denominators, they are polynomials.
So, all the functions listed are polynomial functions.