How do I determine if a function is a polynomial???

Question

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Do you know what a polynomial is?

anonymous · Answer

Not really.

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

A polynomial consists of three things. Exponents variables and constants.
For example, $$5xy^2-3x+5^3-3$$  
^ is considered as a polynomial. 
$$3xy^-2$$
^ Is NOT considered as a polynomial. Do you know why?

anonymous · Answer

It doesn't have any exponents?

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Nope! Because, the exponent is "-2". Exponents can only be 0,1,2,3,4...etc. Get it?

anonymous · Answer

Yes

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Ok. Can you tell me if this is polynomial?
$$\frac{ 2 }{ (x+2) }$$

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Tell me the reason too:D

anonymous · Answer

You have the variable and the constant Sooo the exponent if missing

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Is it a polynomial or not?

anonymous · Answer

No

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Great!!:D You got it:D You should practice some more:D I'm providing you with link you can look at: http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/polynomials.html

anonymous · Answer

Thankyou. But the way my questions are it seems like each one is a polynomial but I know that at least one has to not be a polynomial.

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Post it then. We'll figure it out:D

anonymous · Answer

Do the fractions make a difference??

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Yes! They do make a difference! What do you think the first one is? Is it a polynomial or not?

anonymous · Answer

Yes.

yanasidlinskiy · Answer

Ok. Is that all what you have to do? Answer if they are a polynomials or not?

anonymous · Answer

Yup!