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 3
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–16, divide using long division. State the quotient, and the remainder, r(x). (x^3+5x^2+7x+2)÷(x+2)
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Step 1: Set up the long division by writing \(x^3 + 5x^2 + 7x + 2\) under the division symbol and \(x + 2\) outside.
Step 2: Divide the first term of the dividend \(x^3\) by the first term of the divisor \(x\), which gives \(x^2\). Write \(x^2\) above the division line.
Step 3: Multiply \(x^2\) by \(x + 2\) to get \(x^3 + 2x^2\). Subtract \(x^3 + 2x^2\) from \(x^3 + 5x^2 + 7x + 2\) to get \(3x^2 + 7x + 2\).
Step 4: Divide the first term of the new dividend \(3x^2\) by the first term of the divisor \(x\), which gives \(3x\). Write \(3x\) above the division line.
Step 5: Multiply \(3x\) by \(x + 2\) to get \(3x^2 + 6x\). Subtract \(3x^2 + 6x\) from \(3x^2 + 7x + 2\) to get \(x + 2\).
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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 divisor is used to divide the leading term of the dividend, and the result is multiplied back and subtracted from the dividend. This process is repeated until the degree of the remainder is less than the degree 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, which cannot be divided by the divisor anymore. According to the polynomial division algorithm, any polynomial can be expressed as the product of the divisor and the quotient, plus the 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 have a degree lower than that of the divisor.
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