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 14
Textbook Question
Use synthetic division to divide ƒ(x) by x-k for the given value of k. Then express ƒ(x) in the form ƒ(x)=(x-k)q(x)+r. ƒ(x)=-3x^3+5x-6; k=-1
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1
Identify the coefficients of the polynomial \( f(x) = -3x^3 + 0x^2 + 5x - 6 \) as \([-3, 0, 5, -6]\).
Set up the synthetic division by writing \( k = -1 \) on the left and the coefficients \([-3, 0, 5, -6]\) on the right.
Bring down the leading coefficient \(-3\) to the bottom row.
Multiply \(-1\) (the value of \( k \)) by the number just written on the bottom row \(-3\), and write the result under the next coefficient. Add this result to the next coefficient \(0\) and write the sum below.
Repeat the multiplication and addition process for the remaining coefficients to find the quotient \( q(x) \) and the remainder \( r \). Express \( f(x) \) in the form \( f(x) = (x + 1)q(x) + r \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Synthetic Division
Synthetic division is a simplified method for dividing a polynomial by a linear binomial of the form x - k. It involves using the coefficients of the polynomial and the value of k to perform the division without writing out the entire polynomial long division. This technique is particularly useful for quickly finding the quotient and remainder when dividing by a linear factor.
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Polynomial Representation
A polynomial can be expressed in the form ƒ(x) = (x - k)q(x) + r, where q(x) is the quotient polynomial and r is the remainder. This representation highlights how the original polynomial can be decomposed into a product of a linear factor and another polynomial, plus a constant remainder. Understanding this form is essential for interpreting the results of synthetic division.
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Guided course
Introduction to Polynomials
Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that when a polynomial ƒ(x) is divided by x - k, the remainder of this division is equal to ƒ(k). This theorem provides a quick way to evaluate the polynomial at a specific point and is directly applicable in synthetic division, as it allows us to find the remainder without performing the full division process.
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Related Practice