rational function

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a function that can be written as the quotient of two polynomials with integral coefficients.

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Etymology

Origin of rational function

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The rational function will be represented by a quotient of polynomial functions.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

The domain of a rational function is all real numbers except for those values that would cause division by zero.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

At this point, by combining the differentiation rules, we may find the derivatives of any polynomial or rational function.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Figure 4.54 The graph of this rational function approaches the horizontal asymptote y = 0 as x → ±∞.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

We have then the theorem that every rational symmetrical function of the roots is a rational function of the coefficients.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 7 "Equation" to "Ethics" by Various