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 15
Textbook Question
Use synthetic division to perform each division. (-9x^3 + 8x^2 - 7x+2) / x-2
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1
Identify the divisor and the dividend. Here, the divisor is \(x - 2\) and the dividend is \(-9x^3 + 8x^2 - 7x + 2\).
Set the divisor equal to zero to find the value to use in synthetic division. Solve \(x - 2 = 0\) to get \(x = 2\).
Write down the coefficients of the dividend: \(-9, 8, -7, 2\).
Perform synthetic division: Bring down the first coefficient \(-9\). Multiply it by \(2\) (the value from step 2) and add to the next coefficient. Repeat this process for each coefficient.
Continue the process until all coefficients have been used. The last number is the remainder, and the other numbers represent the coefficients of the quotient polynomial.
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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 - c). It involves using the coefficients of the polynomial and a specific value (c) 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 linear factors.
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Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. In this context, the polynomial is represented as (-9x^3 + 8x^2 - 7x + 2), which is a cubic polynomial. Understanding the degree and behavior of polynomial functions is essential for performing operations like division and analyzing their graphs.
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Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by a linear divisor (x - c), the remainder of this division is equal to f(c). This theorem is useful in synthetic division as it allows us to quickly determine the value of the polynomial at a specific point, which can help in verifying the results of the division and understanding the behavior of the polynomial at that point.
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