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 10
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–16, divide using long division. State the quotient, and the remainder, r(x). (3x^2−2x+5)/(x−3)
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Step 1: Set up the long division. Write the dividend \(3x^2 - 2x + 5\) under the long division symbol and the divisor \(x - 3\) outside.
Step 2: Divide the first term of the dividend \(3x^2\) by the first term of the divisor \(x\) to get the first term of the quotient, which is \(3x\).
Step 3: Multiply the entire divisor \(x - 3\) by the first term of the quotient \(3x\) and subtract the result from the dividend.
Step 4: Bring down the next term from the dividend, if necessary, and repeat the process: divide, multiply, and subtract.
Step 5: Continue this process until all terms of the dividend have been used. The expression left after the last subtraction is the remainder, \(r(x)\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Long Division
Polynomial long division is a method used to divide a polynomial by another polynomial of lower degree. It involves a process similar to numerical long division, where the leading term of the dividend is divided by the leading term of the divisor, and the result is multiplied by the entire divisor. This product is then subtracted from the original polynomial, and the process is repeated with the new polynomial until the degree of the remainder is less than that of the divisor.
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Quotient and Remainder
In polynomial division, the quotient is the result of the division, representing how many times the divisor fits into the dividend. The remainder is what is left over after the division process is complete, and it must have a degree that is less than the degree of the divisor. The relationship between the dividend, divisor, quotient, and remainder can be expressed as: Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder.
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Degree of a Polynomial
The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial expression. It is a crucial concept in polynomial division, as it determines the order of the polynomial and influences the division process. Understanding the degree helps in identifying when to stop the division process, as the remainder must always be of a lower degree than the divisor to ensure the division is complete.
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