Grade

10

MATHEMATICS
QUARTER 1 – MODULE 5

MELC 8 and 9

Division of Polynomials,
Remainder Theorem,
Factor Theorem and
The Rational Root Theorem
PART I.

Introduction
Hello guys! How are you? I hope you still have your extreme patience to read this
simple module. This learning material given to you is not a test and I know you can still do it.
Do not be shy to ask your teacher if there are some parts in this module that you find hard to
understand.
It is specially designed for you to learn the concepts and ideas in dividing
polynomials using the long method and synthetic division, and finding factors of a
polynomial using remainder theorem, factor theorem, and rational root theorem. It aims
to present the lesson in a concise (clear) and comprehensive (complete) manner.
This module deals with dividing polynomials in two ways: using the long division
process patterned to the concepts of usual dividing integers, and the other is by using
synthetic division. The synthetic division is believed to be the shortcut version of long division.
On the other hand, remainder theorem and factor theorem have something to do with
identifying the factors and roots of a polynomial. The synthetic division is still valuable and an
alternative solution to find the remainder and factor(s) of a polynomial.

Reinforcement activities on the next part are included to assess your learning and to
improve your skills in dividing polynomials. In the end, you’ll find out that mathematics is easy
to learn and full of fun.

Pretest
Direction: Choose the letter of your answer from the given choices. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. If a fourth degree polynomial is divided by a second degree polynomial, what is the

degree of the quotient?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
2. In dividing polynomials, if the divisor is a factor of the dividend, the remainder
is ______.
A. Less than 0 C. greater than zero
B. Equal to zero D. none of these
3. ______
A. B. C. D.

4. Use synthetic division to divide by . Which of the

following should be the last set of numbers?
A. 3 -17 -3 -16 -14
B. 3 -17 3 -16 14
9 9 6
𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎 C. 3 -1 3 -2 -2
D. 3 1 3 2 -2

5. Which of the following is a possible rational root of – ?

A. 2 B. C. D.

6. Which of the following is a factor of ?

A. B. C. D.

1
 7. Which of the following is NOT a factor of – – ?
A. (x + 1) B. – C. – D.

8. Determine the remainder when is divided by .

A. 10 B. 20 C. 0 D. 5

9. Find another factor of 9 if is a factor.

A. B. C. D.

10. Find the value of k so that if a polynomial Is divided by , the

remainder is 5.
A. B. C. D.

Presentation/Discussion:
Quadratic Linear Constant
Term
In Grade 9, you learned about quadratic equations.
Example of Quadratic Equation: 6

Definition 1: A POLYNOMIAL is an expression of the form

where the nonnegative integer n is
called the degree of the polynomials and coefficients ,…, are real numbers.

Example of Polynomial Expression:

NOTE:
1) The polynomial expression is in DECREASING powers of .
2) The polynomial expression is in STANDARD FORM.

REASONS WHY AN EXPRESSION IS A POLYNOMIAL.

1) A polynomial expression should NOT have a variable in the denominator.
 Identify which is a polynomial: 𝑥
5
𝑥

2) Variable(s) in a polynomial expression should not have negative exponents.

 Identify which is a polynomial: 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
3) Variable(s) in a polynomial expression should NOT be inside the radical symbol.
 Identify which is a polynomial:
𝑥 𝑥
4) Variable(s) in a polynomial expression should NOT have fractional exponents.
 Identify which is a polynomial: 1
𝑥 𝑥3 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

LESSON 1: DIVIDING POLYNOMIALS USING LONG DIVISION

Steps in dividing polynomial by another polynomial:
1. Arrange the terms of dividend and divisor in descending order.
2. Divide the first term of the dividend by the first term of the divisor to obtain the first term of
the answer(quotient).
3. Multiply the first term of the quotient to the first term of the divisor.
4. Subtract the product from the dividend. Bring down the next term.
5. Repeat the Steps 2, 3 & 4 until there is nothing left in the dividend to be brought down.
6. Write your answer as , where =Remainder, =Divisor,
=Quotient
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ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES:

Example No.1: Divide 6 by using long division.

Solution:
Step 1: Arrange the terms of dividend and in descending power
𝑥 of 𝑥.
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 6 𝑥 → 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 6
𝑥 𝑥 Step 2: Divide the first term of the Step 4: Subtract the
𝑥 𝑥 dividend by the first term of the product from the dividend.
𝑥 6 divisor to get the first answer. Bring down 𝑥.
𝑥 6
𝑥3
𝑥
𝑥
Answer:
Step 3: Multiply the first quotient
NOTE: by the divisor.
If the remainder is 0, 𝑥 𝑥
the divisor is a factor of a 𝑥 𝑥
polynomial (dividend).
Repeat Steps 2, 3, and 4
Thus, 𝑥 is a factor of
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 6 Step 2: Step 4:
because the remainder is .
𝑥2
𝑥
𝑥

Step 3:
𝑥 𝑥
𝑥 𝑥

Repeat Steps 2, 3, and 4

Step 2: Step 4:

𝑥
𝑥

Step 3:

𝑥
𝑥 6

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Example No.2: Divide by using long division.

Solution:
𝑥
𝑥 𝑥 Step 1: 𝑥 𝑥 → 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥
Step 2: Step 4:
𝑥 6
𝑥2
𝑥
𝑥
Step 3:
Answer: 𝑄 𝑥 𝒙 𝟑
𝑅 𝑥 𝟐 𝐷 𝑥 𝒙 𝟐 𝑥 𝑥
Using step 6: 𝑥 𝑥
𝑅 𝑥 𝟐
𝑄 𝑥 →𝒙 𝟑 Repeat Steps 2, 3, and 4
𝐷 𝑥 𝒙 𝟐
Step 2: Step 4:
NOTE: 𝑥
If the remainder is 0, 𝑥
the divisor is a factor of a
polynomial (dividend).
Step 3:
Thus, 𝑥 is NOT a factor 𝑥
of 𝑥 𝑥 because the 𝑥 6
remainder is .

Lesson 2: SYNTHETIC DIVISION

Another method of dividing polynomials which has a very short and simple procedure
is called Synthetic Division. Unlike the usual division which involves the four fundamental
operations, this method requires only addition and multiplication applied to the coefficients.
This method is applied when the divisor is of the form .
Steps to follow in dividing polynomials by Synthetic Division:
1. Arrange the terms of the dividend in descending order of exponent. Write the numerical
coefficient in a row, with 0 representing any missing term.
2. Write the constant term c of the divisor x - c at the left-hand side of the coefficient.
3. Bring down the leading coefficient of the dividend. Multiply it by c and add it to the second
column.
4. Multiply the sum obtained in step 3 by c and add to the 3rd column. Repeat this process
until you reach the last column.
5. The 3rd rows of numbers are numerical coefficients of the quotient. The degree is one less
than that of the dividend. The last right member is the remainder.

Example 3: Divide the polynomial defined by 6 by

using Synthetic division.
𝟑𝟔
Solution: Divisor (c) Answer: 𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝟏𝟏𝒙 𝟏𝟔
𝒙 𝟐
6
6
𝟑 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟔 𝟑𝟔
Remainder
4
 STEP 1, Arrange the terms of the polynomial 6𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
6
in decreasing order of exponent. Write the
numerical coefficients of P(x) in a horizontal 𝑥 𝑥 6𝑥
𝟑 𝟗 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟖
row. (Insert a zero coefficient in place of any 𝑥 𝑥 6𝑥
missing term)
Step 2: The divisor is , therefore we 𝑐
use as the divisor. 6

(equate with 0) 𝟑 𝟗 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟖
(by Addition Property of Equality)
(the divisor) →
Step 3: Bring down the leading
coefficient of the dividend. 6 6
Multiply it by c and add it to the 6
second column. 𝟑 𝟗 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟖 𝟑 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟖

Step 4. Multiply the sum 6 6

obtained in step 3 by c and add 6
to the 3rd column. 6
𝟑 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟔 𝟐𝟖 𝟑 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟔 𝟐𝟖

Multiply the sum obtained in step

6 6
4 by c and add to the 4th column.
6 6
𝟑 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟔 𝟑𝟔 𝟑 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟔 𝟑𝟔

Step 5. Write the quotient. The

degree is one less than that of
the dividend.

Example 4: Use synthetic division to find the quotient of by .

Solution: Divisor (c) Answer: 𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝟐

6
𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎
Remainder

STEP 1, The terms are arranged in 𝑥 𝑥

descending order.
Write the numerical coefficients of P(x) in a 𝑥 𝑥 𝟎𝒙 6
horizontal row. (Insert a zero coefficient in 𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎
place of any missing term) 𝑥 𝑥 𝟎𝑥
𝑥 𝑥 6𝑥
STEP 2,
(equate with 0) 𝑐 6
(by APE)
𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎
(the divisor)→

5
 STEP 3,

6 6
𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎 𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎

STEP 4,
6 6
𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎 𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎

6 6
𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎 𝟑 𝟏 𝟐 𝟎

STEP 5.

MELC 9: Proves the Remainder Theorem, Factor Theorem, and Rational Root Theorem

Lesson 3: STATE AND ILLUSTRATE THE REMAINDER THEOREM

In division of polynomials, a remainder is noted when the polynomial is not exactly
divisible by another polynomial. You will get a zero remainder when a polynomial is exactly
divisible by another.
By substituting the value of of the divisor – in the polynomial , you can
also test whether the divisor is a factor of the given polynomial.

THE REMAINDER THEOREM

If the polynomial is divided by , then the remainder is a constant and is

equal to .

There are two ways to find the REMAINDER when is divided by :

1. by Synthetic Division; or
2. by calculating .

Example 5: Find the remainder when is divided by .

USING REMAINDER THEOREM Calculating P(r) USING SYNTHETIC DIVISION

Substitute for .
Simplify
6; 6 𝟏 𝟔 𝟏𝟓 𝟐𝟖𝟖
6 6 Using addition & subtraction Remainder
Remainder

Answer: We see that using the two possible solutions, we get the same answers.
Therefore, the remainder is .
6
Example 6: Find the remainder R when

USING REMAINDER THEOREM Calculating P(r) USING SYNTHETIC DIVISION

Arrange the terms
Substitute for .
Simplify 6 6
6 Using addition & subtraction 𝟏 𝟑 𝟔 𝟏𝟐𝟖 𝟐𝟔
6 Using addition Remainder
Remainder

Answer: Using the possible solutions, the Remainder 6.

Lesson 4: FACTOR THEOREM

The polynomial has as a factor if and only if (iff) .

This means that:

1. If is a factor of , then .
2. If , then is a factor of .

Brief Explanation: If the remainder is 0, then a divisor is a factor of a dividend.

Question: Is 3 a factor of 6? Why?
Answer: Yes, because if we divide 6 by 3, the answer is 2 and the REMAINDER is 0.
Question: Is 2 a factor of 9? Why?
Answer: No, because if we divide 9 by 2, the answer is 4 and the REMAINDER is 1.

Example 7: Show that is a factor .

Remember: There are two ways to prove that a divisor is a factor of a polynomial.
1) by SYNTHETIC DIVISION
2) by REMAINDER THEOREM

USING REMAINDER THEOREM Calculating P(r) USING SYNTHETIC DIVISION

Substitute for .
Simplify
Using multiplication 𝟑 𝟓 𝟐𝟖 𝟎
Using addition & subtraction Remainder
Remainder

Answer: We see that using both methods, the remainders are both zero (0), therefore,
is a factor .

7
Example 8: Find the value of k so that is a factor of .

Let . Using the Factor Theorem, we can say that

is a factor of if .

Solution:
Substitute
Since
6 6 Simplify 6 6
6 By multiplication:
96 6 By subtraction: 96
6 96 By APE
6 96
Divide both sides by 16

Value of k

Therefore, will become a factor of if and only if 6.

Lesson 5: RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM

We consider a number to be a root of a polynomial if the remainder is zero (0) but
sometimes we find it hard to determine that perfect number. Most of the time, we do trial and
error. It is normal for us to start with and so on, but very rare to consider a
FRACTIONAL FACTOR. In this topic, we tend to target the near factors of a polynomial
including fractions. This can be done by RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM.

RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM

Let , where and
is an integer for all , be a polynomial equation of degree . If , in lowest
terms, is a rational root of the equation, then is a factor of and is a factor of .

Brief Explanation: To find the possible rational roots (either integers or fractions) of a
polynomial, we will be using the scheme , where p are factors of constant term and q are
factors of the leading term.
Question: Where is p? Where is q?
Answer: p can be found in constant term and q is in the leading term.
Question: Where is the constant term? Where is the leading term?
Answer: 6

Leading Term Constant term

Question: Where is q in the leading term?

Answer: is the leading term and q is .
Question: In the polynomial equation , is and ?
Answer: BIG NO. Arrange first the polynomial equation into the standard form or
decreasing order. And so, the equation is ,
therefore, and .

8
Example 9: Find the roots of the polynomial equation defined by 6 6 .
Use the rational root theorem.

Solution: Using the Rational Root Theorem. Let us identify and .

To get and , use . So, and .
But and .

Using and its values, then

The possible roots are , , , , , , .

Therefore, we can use numbers or .

We can use Synthetic Division or Factor Theorem to find the factors.

Polynomial Equation: 6 6
Possible Values of : .

Remember to have a remainder of 0 using Trial and Error.

Trial #1: Using Trial #2: Using Trial #3: Using

6 6 6 6 6 6
6 6
𝟏 𝟓 𝟔 𝟎𝟖 𝟏 𝟕 𝟏𝟖 𝟐𝟒 𝟏 𝟒 𝟑 𝟎𝟖

Trial #4: Using Trial #5: Using Trial #6: Using

6 6 6 6 6 6
6 9 6
𝟏 𝟖 𝟐𝟕 𝟔𝟎𝟖 𝟏 𝟑 𝟐 𝟎𝟖 𝟏 𝟗 𝟑𝟖 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟖

Summary:
Value of c Divisor Remainder Factor/Not Factor
Trial No.1 0 FACTOR
Trial No.2 Not Factor
Trial No.3 0 FACTOR
Trial No.4 6 Not Factor
Trial No.5 0 FACTOR
Trial No.6 Not Factor

ROOTS: FACTORS:
ANSWER: The roots are and because their remainder is 0.

9
Example 9: Find the roots of the polynomial equation defined by . Use the
rational root theorem.

Solution: Using the Rational Root Theorem. Let us identify and .

Let and . But and .

Using and its values, then

The possible roots are , , , , , , , ,

.

Therefore, we can use numbers , or simply .

Take note that there are 8 trials and this time it involves fractions. Remember also that the
highest degree of exponent is 2, this means that there are AT MOST 2 factors. You can use
Factor Theorem or Synthetic Division.

Trial #1: Trial #2: Trial #3: Trial #4:

6 6
𝟐 𝟕 𝟒 𝟐 𝟑 𝟔 𝟐 𝟏𝟏 𝟑𝟎 𝟐 𝟏 𝟎

𝟐 𝟔 𝟎

Solution:
Note: Note: Note:
1) No need to test
No need to test No need to test
2) 6 because we have because we have because we have
already obtained already obtained already obtained
the 2 factors. the 2 factors. the 2 factors.

Summary:
Value of c Divisor Remainder Factor/Not Factor
Trial No.1 4 Not Factor
Trial No.2 6 Not Factor
Trial No.3 30 Not Factor
Trial No.4 FACTOR
Trial No.5 0 FACTOR
Trial No.6
Trial No. 7
Trial No. 8

ROOTS: FACTORS:
ANSWER: The roots are and because of their remainder 0.

10
PART II. ACTIVITIES
A. THE BANNER OF COVID-19
Direction: Do each exercise below. Draw a straight line connecting the smiley at the left
to the smiley by its answer to the right. The line will cross a number and a letter. Write the
letter in the numbered box at the bottom to reveal a WORD. Use a ruler to be accurate.
Problem: Use synthetic division to find the remainder of the following polynomials divided by
their divisor.
1) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 7) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
2) 𝑥 9𝑥 𝑥 8) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
3) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 9) 𝑥 6 𝑥
4) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 10) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
5) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 11) 𝑥5 𝑥 𝑥
6) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11
B. FINDING JERRY !!
Direction: Help Tom to find Jerry by answering the questions in the box and choosing the
correct answer in the right way. Shade your path and the box by using any color.

START What is the What is the

If 𝑥 – is a factor remainder of the remainder of the
of 𝑥 – 𝑥 – 𝑥 , 𝑥 quotient of 9 quotient of
what is the other 𝑥 –𝑥 𝑥– 𝑥 – 𝑥 𝑥–
possible factor? and 𝑥 ? and 𝑥 – ?

What are the roots of What are the roots What are the
the equation of the equation roots of the
𝑥 5 𝑥 –𝑥 ? 𝑥 6𝑥 – 𝑥– equation
? 𝑥 𝑥 –𝑥 –
?

Find k so that When Find k so that

𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑘 𝑥
is a factor of is divided by is a factor of
𝑥 – 𝑘𝑥 𝑥 𝑘. 𝑥 the 𝑥 – 𝑥 𝑘𝑥 – .
remainder is 12.
Find the value of k.

For what values of For what values of For what values

k will the k will the of k will the
remainder be the remainder be the remainder be the
same when
same when 9 same when
𝑥 𝑘𝑥
𝑥 𝑥 𝑘 is 𝑥 𝑘𝑥 is
divided by 𝑥 is divided by 𝑥 –
divided by 𝑥 – and 𝑥
and 𝑥 ? ?
and 𝑥 ?

For what values CONGRATULATIONS!! For what values

of k will the YOU FOUND of k will the
remainder be the JERRY!!! remainder be the
same when same when
𝑘𝑥 𝑥 6 𝑥 𝑘𝑥 𝑥
is divided by 𝑥– is divided by
and 𝑥 ? 𝑥 – and 𝑥 ?

12
PART III. ASSESSMENT
Directions: Read, analyze, and solve each problem accurately. Write the letter of your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is the correct synthetic division matrix when the polynomial
is divided by ?

a) c)
6
𝟐 𝟏𝟗 𝟖𝟖 𝟐 𝟖 𝟒𝟑 𝟏𝟖𝟒

b) d)

𝟐 𝟖 𝟒𝟑 𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝟐 𝟑 𝟎

2. Which does not belong to the group?

a) 6 c)
5
b) d)

3. Which of the following is a factor of 6 ?

a) c)
b) d)

4. What is the quotient if 6 9 9 is divided by ?

a) 6 6 c) 6 6
b) 6 6 d) 6 6

5
5. Determine the remainder if the polynomial defined by 6 is divided
by .
a) c) 6
b) d) 6

6. Which is NOT a root of the polynomial 9 ?

a) c)
b) d)

7. Given that is a factor of the polynomial 6 , what

are the other two factors?
a) c)
b) d) 9

8. When is divided by , the quotient is 9 and the

remainder is . Find the polynomial .
a) c)
b) d)

9. Find the value of so that is a factor of

a) b) c) d)

10. When is divided by the remainder is , what is ?

b) c) d)

13
ANSWER KEY

PART II. Activities B.

A. B.

10) C
9) C
8) B
7) C
6) B
5) D
4) D
3) B
2) B
1) B

Pretest

References:

CALLANTA, MELVIN M., ET. AL. Mathematics – Grade 10 Learner’s Module (First
Edition 2015). Rex Book Store, Inc.

OBAÑA, GENEROSO G., ET. AL. (2009). Making Connections in Mathematics (A

Worktext for Fourth Year High School). Vicarish Publication & Trading, Inc.

ORONCE, ORLANDO A., ET AL. (1996). Mathematics IV (Concepts, Structures, and

Methods for High School). Rex Book Store, Inc.

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