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Next: Polynomials in one variable Up: Pre-requisites Previous: Conic sections

Polynomials and polynomial functions

We now revise the definition and elementary properties of polynomials and polynomial functions. The fundamental ideas of calculus consist of extending these notions to a larger class of functions.

There are two ways of approaching the concept of function. The ancient way is through formulae, while the modern approach is through the study of functions of sets of points. Most functions that we study arise naturally and can be defined formally (i. e. by formulae or expressions). On the other hand, many of the properties demanded of functions are best defined by thinking of them as set functions. Moreover, most of the formulae have a ``life of their own''; the formal expressions have a more general validity than as functions alone. Thus the study of formulae becomes algebra while the study of functions becomes analysis. Calculus is thus seen differently by algebraists and analysts. The fundamental example in both cases is that of a polynomial which we study below.



Subsections

Kapil H. Paranjape 2001-01-20