identify the given function as a polynomial, rational, both or neither
f(x)=(x^2 + 2x -1)/(x+1)

Question

identify the given function as a polynomial, rational, both or neither
f(x)=(x^2 + 2x -1)/(x+1)

phi · Answer

the only way for it to be a polynomial is if the x+1 divides evenly into to the top

rational  means  "ratio"  or fraction.  so it is definitely rational.

that rules out neither.   you have to figure out if it is a polynomial.  Does (x+1) divide into 
x^2 + 2x -1
?

one way to find out, is try dividing and seeing if you get a 0 remainder.

anonymous · Answer

are you sure?

anonymous · Answer

I remember that a rational is two polynomials one in the numerator and one in the denominator

anonymous · Answer

so wouldn't the answer be rational then?

phi · Answer

it could be both a polynomial and a rational if the x+1 divides evenly... if it does, you would get a polynomial

so you could say it was both...

but in this case x+1 does not divide evenly, so you don't have to worry about that case