field of rational functions
nounUK /fiːld əv ˈræʃənəl ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
US /fiːld əv ˈræʃənəl ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
A special math set where you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions made from polynomials.
In algebra class, we learned that the field of rational functions is built from fractions of polynomials.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The set of all ratios of polynomials over a given field, forming a field under addition and multiplication.
The field of rational functions over the real numbers is denoted R(x).
3. A field extension generated by adjoining a transcendental element to a base field.
Mathematicians study the field of rational functions as a simple example of a transcendental extension.
4. In algebraic geometry, the field of rational functions on an algebraic variety.
The field of rational functions on a curve helps describe its geometry.