The function y = 1/(x²) is classified as which type of function?

The function y = 1/(x²) is classified as a rational function because it can be expressed as a ratio of two polynomials. In this case, the numerator is the constant polynomial 1 (which can be thought of as 1x^0), and the denominator is the polynomial x². Rational functions are defined as the quotient of two polynomials, and since y = 1/(x²) meets this definition, it is classified as rational.

Linear functions are first-degree polynomials, typically in the form y = mx + b, which does not fit the given function. Polynomial functions include terms of the form a_n * x^n, where n is a non-negative integer, meaning they cannot have variables in the denominator, which again does not apply to this function. Exponential functions involve variables as exponents, such as y = a * b^x, which also does not describe the function provided. Therefore, the classification of the function as rational is appropriate and reflects its mathematical structure.