is -3x^-4y^1 a polynomial

Question

poopsiedoodle · Answer

Hi, cheriblsm, welcome to OpenStudy. Yes, this is a polynomial. anything with more than one term is a polynomial.

anonymous · Answer

even if the exponents are negative?

poopsiedoodle · Answer

yes, the sign doesn't have anything to do with the kind of equation it is. let me know if you need more help. :) by the way, to be more specific, this is also a binomial.

anonymous · Answer

would you add the exponents as 
 numbers to get the degree?

poopsiedoodle · Answer

I think the degree is just the highest exponent. Just to make sure, @Hero

anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your help, my text book does not have any information regarding negative exponents.

poopsiedoodle · Answer

you're welcome :D

poopsiedoodle · Answer

wait wat o-o I thought it needed more than one term to be a polynomial.

anonymous · Answer

so if it has negative exponents it is not a polynomial?

poopsiedoodle · Answer

OH YEAH, negatives are fractions.

anonymous · Answer

its a confusing problem.

directrix · Answer

@cheriblsm113 -3(x^-4) * (y^1) is NOT a polynomial Polynomial terms have variables which are raised to whole-number exponents (or else the terms are just plain numbers); there are no square roots of variables, no fractional powers, and no variables in the denominator of any fractions. Here are some examples shown on the attachment. http://www.purplemath.com/modules/polydefs.htm