Question

For rational function f(x)=p(x)/q(x), what is the meaning of a straight bar over the f, p and q? My textbook uses this with no explanation.

Answer 1

\[its just\]\[f(x) = \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}\]

Answer 2

there could be various explanations for this. search for "bar" on this page for an example of what it could mean: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mathematical_symbols

Answer 3

Thank you for your answers. Cheers!

Answer 4

yw