"A rational function is defined as the quotient of polynomials in which the denominator has a degree

Bradlee Hooper

Bradlee Hooper

Answered question

2022-02-15

"A rational function is defined as the quotient of polynomials in which the denominator has a degree of at least 1"
If we are talking merely about x, then I get the concept. A rational function f(x) could be written as "p(x)q(x), where q(x)0."
The issue that I'm having is that of talking about rational functions of n variables. For instance, what would be the meaning of 'f(x,y) is a rational function of x & y?

Answer & Explanation

vefibiongedogn7z

vefibiongedogn7z

Beginner2022-02-16Added 6 answers

The definition applies to n variables as well. For any two polynomials p,q, the function f(x1,x2,xn)=p(x1,x2,xn)q(x1,x2,xn) is a rational function (if q is not constant).
For example, f(x,y)=xy is a rational function of 2 variables.
Elodie Williamson

Elodie Williamson

Beginner2022-02-17Added 7 answers

For instance, f(x,y)=p(x,y)q(x,y) is a rational function of x and y if p and q are polynomials in x and y... So p and q are finite sums of terms of the form axnym, where a is a numerical coefficient and n and m are whole numbers... and, of course, the degree of q is 1 or more...

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