Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
4. Polynomial Functions
Dividing Polynomials
Problem 85
Textbook Question
Perform each division. See Examples 7 and 8. (-4m^2n^2-21mn^3+18mn^2)/(-14m^2n^3)
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1
Identify the expression to be divided: \(-4m^2n^2 - 21mn^3 + 18mn^2\) and the divisor: \(-14m^2n^3\).
Separate the division into individual terms: \((-4m^2n^2)/(-14m^2n^3)\), \((-21mn^3)/(-14m^2n^3)\), and \((18mn^2)/(-14m^2n^3)\).
Simplify each term by dividing the coefficients and subtracting the exponents of like variables.
For the first term: \((-4)/(-14)\) simplifies to \(2/7\), and \(m^2/m^2\) cancels out, while \(n^2/n^3\) simplifies to \(1/n\).
Repeat the simplification process for the remaining terms, ensuring to handle negative signs and exponents correctly.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Division
Polynomial division involves dividing a polynomial by another polynomial, similar to numerical long division. In this case, we divide the polynomial
(-4m^2n^2 - 21mn^3 + 18mn^2) by the polynomial (-14m^2n^3). The process requires careful attention to the degrees of the terms and simplifying the resulting expression.
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Simplifying Rational Expressions
Simplifying rational expressions involves reducing fractions to their simplest form by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator. In this problem, after performing the division, we will look for common factors between the terms of the numerator and the denominator to simplify the expression effectively.
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Negative Exponents
Negative exponents indicate the reciprocal of the base raised to the opposite positive exponent. When simplifying expressions, it is important to recognize how negative exponents affect the terms, especially when dividing polynomials. Understanding this concept helps in rewriting and simplifying the final expression correctly.
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