Here are some examples of things that arent polynomials. The first one isnt a polynomial because it has a negative exponent and all exponents in a polynomial must be positive. Another rule of thumb is if there are any variables in the denominator of a fraction then the algebraic expression isnt a polynomial.

what makes a polynomial a polynomial? In mathematics, a polynomial is an expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) and coefficients, that involves only the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents of variables. An example of a polynomial of a single indeterminate, x, is x2 − 4x 7.

Subsequently, question is, can a Monomial have a negative exponent?

The second expression appears not to be a monomial because a variable in the denominator of a fraction is the same as having that variable raised to a negative exponent. Remember, a monomial cannot have variables with negative exponents.

Why cant you have a negative exponent?

Once youve learned about negative numbers, you can also learn about negative powers. A negative exponent just means that the base is on the wrong side of the fraction line, so you need to flip the base to the other side.