Definition:Polynomial Function

Definition
Let $K$ be a commutative ring with unity.

Let the mapping $p: K \to K$ be defined such that there exists a sequence:
 * $\left \langle {\alpha_k} \right \rangle_{k \in \left[{0 \,.\,.\, n}\right]}$

of elements of $K$ such that:
 * $\displaystyle p = \sum_{k \mathop = 0}^n \alpha_k {I_K}^k$

where $I_K$ is the identity mapping on $K$.

Then $p$ is known as a polynomial function on $K$.

Also see

 * Definition:Polynomial Form
 * Definition:Polynomial Equation
 * Definition:Polynomial Coefficient


 * Definition:Ring of Polynomial Functions


 * Polynomial Functions form Submodule of All Functions