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 13a
Textbook Question
Use synthetic division to perform each division. (x^5 + 3x^4 + 2x^3 + 2x^2 + 3x+1) / x+2
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1
Identify the divisor and set it equal to zero to find the root: \(x + 2 = 0\) gives \(x = -2\).
Write down the coefficients of the dividend polynomial \(x^5 + 3x^4 + 2x^3 + 2x^2 + 3x + 1\), which are [1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1].
Set up the synthetic division by writing \(-2\) on the left and the coefficients [1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1] on the right.
Bring down the leading coefficient (1) to the bottom row.
Multiply \(-2\) by the number just written on the bottom row, add this product to the next coefficient, and write the result below. Repeat this process for each coefficient.
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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 form of polynomial long division that is used specifically when dividing by a linear factor of the form (x - c). It involves using the coefficients of the polynomial and a value derived from the divisor to perform the division in a more efficient manner. This method reduces the complexity of calculations and is particularly useful for higher-degree polynomials.
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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 P(x) = x^5 + 3x^4 + 2x^3 + 2x^2 + 3x + 1. Understanding the structure of polynomial functions is essential for performing operations like division, as it helps in identifying the degree and behavior of the function.
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Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by a linear divisor of the form (x - c), the remainder of this division is equal to f(c). This theorem is useful in synthetic division as it allows for quick evaluation of the polynomial at specific points, providing insight into the roots and behavior of the polynomial without fully performing the division.
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