Unit 1: Polynomials

3-1: Reviewing Polynomials

Expressions: - mathematical sentences with no equal sign. Example: 3x + 2

Equations: - mathematical sentences that are equated with an equal sign. Example: 3x + 2 = 5x + 8

Terms: - are separated by an addition or subtraction sign.

Numerical Coefficient
- each term begins with the sign preceding the variable or coefficient.

Monomial: - one term expression. Example: 5x2 Exponent

Variable
2
Binomial: - two terms expression. Example: 5x + 5x

Trinomial: - three terms expression. Example: x2 + 5x + 6

Polynomial: - many terms (more than one) expression.

All Polynomials must have whole numbers as exponents!!

1
Example: 9 x −1 + 12 x 2 is NOT a polynomial.

Degree: - the term of a polynomial that contains the largest sum of exponents

Example: 9x2y3 + 4x5y2 + 3x4 Degree 7 (5 + 2 = 7)

Example 1: Fill in the table below.

Polynomial Number of Terms Classification Degree Classified by Degree

9 1 monomial 0 constant
4x 1 monomial 1 linear
9x + 2 2 binomial 1 linear
2
x − 4x + 2 3 trinomial 2 quadratic
2x − 4x2 + x + 9
3
4 polynomial 3 cubic
4x4 − 9x + 2 3 trinomial 4 quartic

Like Terms: - terms that have the same variables and exponents.

Examples: 2x2y and 5x2y are like terms 2x2y and 5xy2 are NOT like terms

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 1.

Unit 1: Polynomials Pure Math 10 Notes

To Add and Subtract Polynomials:

Combine like terms by adding or subtracting their numerical coefficients.

Example 2: Simplify the followings.

a. 3x2 + 5x − x2 + 4x − 6 b. (9x2y3 + 4x3y2) + (3x3y2 −10x2y3)

= 3x2 + 5x − x2 + 4x − 6 = 9x2y3 + 4x3y2 + 3x3y2 −10x2y3

= 2x2 + 9x − 6 = −x2y3 + 7x3y2

c. (9x2y3 + 4x3y2) − (3x3y2 −10x2y3)

= 9x2y3 + 4x3y2 − 3x3y2 + 10x2y3 (drop brackets and switch signs in the bracket that had
− sign in front of it)
= 19x2y3 + x3y2

9x 2 + 4x
d. Subtract This is the same as (9x2 + 4x) − (5x2 −7x)
5x − 7 x
2

= 9x2 + 4x − 5x2 + 7x

= 4x2 + 11x

To Multiply and Divide Monomials:

Multiply or Divide (Reduce) Numerical Coefficients.
Add or Subtract exponents of the same variable according to basic exponential laws.

Example 3: Simplify the followings.

24 x 7 y 4 z 5 75a 3b 4
a. (3x3y2) (7x2y4) b. c.
6 x 3 yz 5 25a 5b 3

 24  x  y  z   75  a  b 
7 4 5 3 4
= (3)(7) (x3)(x2) (y2)(y4) =   3   5  =   5  3 
 6  x  y  z   25  a  b 

3b
= 21x5y6 = 4x4y3z0 ( z0 = 1 ) = 3a−2b or
a2
= 4x4y3

Page 2. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

(AP) Example 4: Find the area of the following ring.

General Formula for Area of a Circle A = πr2

Inner Circle Radius = 2x

Outer Circle Radius = (2x + 4x) = 6x

Inner Circle Area: A = π (2x)2

A = π (4x2)
4x 4x A = 4πx2

Outer Circle Area: A = π (6x)2

A = π (36x2)
A = 36πx2

Shaded Area = 36πx2 − 4πx2

Shaded Area = 32πx2

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 3.

3-3: Multiplying Polynomials

To Multiply Monomials with Polynomials

Example 1: Simplify the followings.

a. 3 (2x2 − 4x + 7) b. 2x (3x2 + 2x − 4)

= 3 (2x2 − 4x + 7) = 2x (3x2 + 2x − 4)

= 6x2 − 12x + 21 = 6x3 + 4x2 − 8x

c. 3x (5x + 4) − 4 (x2 − 3x) d. 8 (a2 − 2a + 3) − 4 − (3a2 + 7)

(only multiply
= 3x (5x + 4) − 4 (x2 − 3x) the brackets = 8 (a2 − 2a + 3) − 4 − (3a2 + 7)
right after the
= 15x2 + 12x − 4x2 + 12x monomial) = 8a2 − 16a + 24 − 4 − 3a2 − 7

= 11x2 + 24x = 5a2 − 16a + 13

To Multiply Polynomials with Polynomials

Example 2: Simplify the followings.

a. (3x + 2) (4x −3) b. (x + 3) (2x2 − 5x + 3)

= (3x + 2) (4x −3) = (x + 3) (2x2 − 5x + 3)

= 12x2 − 9x + 8x − 6 = 2x3 − 5x2 + 3x + 6x2 − 15x + 9

= 12x2 − x − 6 = 2x3 + x2 − 12x + 9

c. 3 (x + 2) (2x + 3) − (2x − 1) (x + 3) d. (x2 − 2x + 1) (3x2 + x − 4)

= 3 (x + 2) (2x + 3) − (2x − 1) (x + 3) = (x2 − 2x + 1) (3x2 + x − 4)

= 3 (2x2 − 3x + 4x − 6) − (2x2 + 6x − x − 3)
= 3x4 + x3 − 4x2 −6x3 − 2x2 + 8x + 3x2 + x − 4
= 3 (2x2 + x − 6) − (2x2 + 5x − 3)
= 6x2 + 3x − 18 − 2x2 − 5x + 3 = 3x4 − 5x3 − 3x2 + 9x − 4

= 4x2 − 2x − 15

Page 4. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

Example 3: Find the shaded area of each of the followings.

a. 5x + 4 b. 7x − 2

x+2

3x + 1
x+1 2x − 1

Shaded Area = Big Rectangle − Small Square

x+5
7x − 2
= (5x + 4) (2x − 1) − (x + 1) (x + 1)

= (10x2 − 5x + 8x − 4) − (x2 + x + x + 1) x+2 x+2

= (10x2 + 3x − 4) − (x2 + 2x + 1)

= 10x2 + 3x − 4 − x2 − 2x − 1

Shaded Area = 9x2 + x − 5

x+5
(3x + 1) − (x + 2)
= 2x − 1
Total Area = Top Rectangle + Bottom Rectangle

= (7x −2) (x + 2) + (2x − 1) (x + 5)

= (7x2 + 14x − 2x − 4) + (2x2 + 10x − x − 5)

= (7x2 + 12x − 4) + (2x2 + 9x − 5)

= 7x2 + 12x − 4 + 2x2 + 9x − 5

Total Area = 9x2 + 21x − 9

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 5.

Example 3: Find the shaded area of each of the followings.

a. 5x + 4 b. 7x − 2

x+2

3x + 1
x+1 2x − 1

Shaded Area = Big Rectangle − Small Square

x+5
7x − 2
= (5x + 4) (2x − 1) − (x + 1) (x + 1)

= (10x2 − 5x + 8x − 4) − (x2 + x + x + 1) x+2 x+2

= (10x2 + 3x − 4) − (x2 + 2x + 1)

= 10x2 + 3x − 4 − x2 − 2x − 1

Shaded Area = 9x2 + x − 5

x+5
(3x + 1) − (x + 2)
= 2x − 1
Total Area = Top Rectangle + Bottom Rectangle

= (7x −2) (x + 2) + (2x − 1) (x + 5)

= (7x2 + 14x − 2x − 4) + (2x2 + 10x − x − 5)

= (7x2 + 12x − 4) + (2x2 + 9x − 5)

= 7x2 + 12x − 4 + 2x2 + 9x − 5

Total Area = 9x2 + 21x − 9

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 5.

3-6: Common Factors
Common Factors can consist of two parts:

a. Numerical GCF: - Greatest Common Factor of all numerical coefficients and constant.
b. Variable GCF: - the lowest exponent of a particular variable.

After obtaining the GCF, use it to divide each term of the polynomial for the remaining factor.

Example 1: Factor the followings

a. 3x2 + 6x + 12 b. 4a2b − 8ab2 + 6ab

GCF = 3 GCF = 2ab
2
= 3 (x + 2x + 4) = 2ab (2a − 4b + 3)

Factor by Grouping (Common Brackets as GCF)

a (c + d) + b (c + d) = (c + d) (a + b)

Common Brackets Take common bracket out as GCF

Example 2: Factor.

a. 3x (2x − 1) + 4 (2x − 1) b. 2ab + 3ac + 4b2 + 6bc

= (2x − 1) (3x + 4) = (2ab + 3ac) + (4b2 + 6bc)

= a (2b + 3c) + 2b (2b + 3c)

= (2b + 3c) (a + 2b)

2 2 2
c. 3x − 6y + 9x − 2xy

= (3x2 − 6y2) + (9x − 2xy2)

= 3 (x2 − 2y2) + x (9 − 2y2) Brackets are NOT the same! We might have to first rearrange terms.

Try again after rearranging terms! 3x2 + 9x − 2xy2 − 6y2

= (3x2 + 9x) − (2xy2 + 6y2) Switch Sign in Second Bracket!

We have put a minus sign in front of a new
= 3x (x + 3) − 2y2 (x + 3) bracket!

= (x + 3) (3x − 2y2)

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 7.

Example 3: Find the area of the shaded region in factored form and as a polynomial.

Shaded Area = Area of Square − Area of Circle

2
 x
Shaded Area = x 2
− π 
x 2

πx 2
Shaded Area = x2 − (Polynomial Form)
4
 π 
Shaded Area = x 2 1 −  (Factored Form)
 4
Area of a Circle A = πr2

x
Radius of Circle =
2

Page 8. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

3-8: Factoring x2 + bx + c (Leading Coefficient is 1)

x2 + bx + c

What two numbers multiply to give c, but add up to be b?

Example 1: Completely factor the followings.

a. x2 + 5x + 6 Product of 6 b. x2 − 3x − 10 Product of −10

1 6 −1 −6 −1 10 1 −10
= (x + 2) (x + 3) 2 3 −2 −3 = (x + 2) (x −5) −2 5 2 −5

sum of 5
sum of −3

Product of 15
c. a2 − 8a + 15 d. x2 − 7xy + 12y2 Product of 12
1 15 −1 −15 1 12 −1 −12
= (a − 3) (a − 5)
3 5 −3 −5 = (x − 3y) (x −4y) 2 6 −2 −6
3 4 −3 −4

sum of −8
sum of −7

e. x2y2 − 6xy − 16 Product of −16 f. 14 – 5w − w2

−1 16 1 −16
Rearrange in
= (xy + 2) (xy − 8) −2 8 2 −8 = −w2 − 5w + 14
Descending Degree.
−4 4 4 −4
= − (w2 + 5w − 14) Take out −1 as
sum of −6 common factor.
= − (w + 7) (w − 2)
(+7) (−2) = −14
(+7) + (−2) = 5
g. 3ab2 − 3ab − 60a

= 3a (b2 − b − 20) Take out GCF

(+4) (−5) = −20
= 3a (b + 4) (b − 5) (+4) + (−5) = −1

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 9.

Example 2: List all values of k such that the trinomial x2 + kx − 24 can be factored.

Product of − 24 Possible Sums for k

−1 24 1 −24 23 −23

−2 12 2 −12 10 −10

−3 8 3 −8 5 −5

−4 6 4 −6 2 −2

Example 3: A rectangular has an area of x2 + 9x − 10.

a. What are the dimensions of the rectangle?
b. If x = 5 cm, what are the actual dimensions?

Factor Area for dimensions

Area = length × width if x = 5 cm
Area = x2 + 9x − 10 Area = x2 + 9x − 10 Dimensions = (5 + 10) (5 −1)

Dimensions = (x + 10) (x − 1) Dimensions = 15 cm × 4 cm

(AP) Example 4: Factor the followings.

a. x4 + 14x2 − 32 b. (x + 3)2 + 6 (x + 3) + 8

= (x2 + 16) (x2 − 2) = y2 + 6y + 8 Do NOT Expand!!

Let y = (x + 3)
= (y + 4) (y + 2)
4 2 2
Assume x + bx + c as the same as x + bx + c
and factor. The answer will be (x2 ) (x2 ). = (x + 3 + 4) (x + 3 + 2)

= (x + 7) (x + 5)

Page 10. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

3-9: Factoring ax2 + bx + c (Leading Coefficient is not 1, a ≠ 1)
For factoring trinomial with the form ax2 + bx + c,
we will have to factor by grouping.
Example 1: Factor 6x2 + 11x + 4 First, we look for GCF. But there is no GCF!
Multiply a and c. Product of 24
1 24 −1 −24
6x2 + 11x + 4
2 12 −2 −12
3 8 −3 −8
sum of 11 4 6 −4 −6
Split the bx term into two separate terms.
2
= 6x + 3x + 8x + 4
= (6x2 + 3x) + (8x + 4) Group by brackets
= 3x (2x + 1) + 4 (2x + 1) Take out GCF for each bracket.

= (3x + 4) (2x + 1) Factor by Common Bracket!

Example 2: Completely factor the followings.

(8) (−3) = −24
(2) (−9) = −18
−1 24 1 −24
a. 2y2 − 3y − 9 −1 18 1 −18 b. 8d2 − 2d − 3
−2 12 2 −12
−2 9 2 −9 −3 8 3 −8
= 2y2 + 3y − 6y − 9 −3 6 3 −6 = 8d2 + 4d − 6d − 3
−4 6 4 −6
= (2y2 + 3y) − (6y + 9) = (8d2 + 4d) − (6d + 3)
sum of −3
sum of −2
= y (2y + 3) − 3 (2y + 3) = 4d (2d + 1) − 3 (2d + 1)
switch sign!
(− sign in front switch sign!
= (2y + 3) (y − 3) = (2d + 1) (4d − 3) (− sign in front
of brackets)
of brackets)

c. 6x3 − 14x2 + 4x GCF = 2x d. 8m2 − 6mn − 9n2 8 × −9 = −72

(2) (3) = 6 (6) (−12) = −72
= 2x (3x2 − 7x + 2) 1 6 −1 −6 = 8m2 + 6mn − 12mn − 9n2 (6) + (−12) = −6
2 3 −2 −3
= 2x (3x2 − x − 6x + 2) = (8m2 + 6mn) − (12mn + 9n2)
sum of −7
= 2x [ (3x2 − x) − (6x − 2) ] = 2m (4m + 3n) − 3n (4m + 3n)
switch sign!
switch sign! (− sign in front
= 2x [ x (3x − 1) − 2 (3x − 1) ] = (4m + 3n) (2m − 3n)
(− sign in front of brackets)
= 2x (3x − 1) (x − 2) of brackets)

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 11.

Example 3: List all possible values for k in 5x2 + kx − 4 so it could be factored.

Product of (5) (−4) = −20 Possible Sums for k

−1 20 1 −20 19 −19

−2 10 2 −10 8 −8

−4 5 4 −5 1 −1

(AP) Example 4: Factor the followings.

a. 4x4 + 13x2 + 9 b. 18x4 − 27x2y + 4y2

4 × 9 = 36 18 × 4 = 72
4 2
= 4x + 4x + 9x + 9 2 (4) (9) = 36 4 2 2
= 18x − 3x y − 24x y + 4y 2 (−3) (−24) = 72
(4) + (9) = 13 (−3) + (−24) = 72
= (4x4 + 4x2) + (9x2 + 9) = (18x4 − 3x2y) − (24x2y − 4y2)

= x2 (x2 + 1) + 9 (x2 + 1) = 3x2 (6x2 − y) − 4y (6x2 − y) switch sign!

(− sign in front
= (x2 + 1) (x2 + 9) = (6x2 − y) (3x2 − 4y) of brackets)

Page 12. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

3-10: Factoring Special Quadratics

Difference of Squares (Square − Square) x2 − y2 = (x − y) (x + y)

Example 1: Completely factor the followings.

a. x2 − 25 b. x2 + 9 c. 3x2 − 300

= (x − 5) (x + 5) (NOT Factorable – Sum of Squares) = 3 (x2 − 100)

= 3 (x − 10) (x + 10)

d. x4 − 81 e. 9x2 − 64y2

= (x2 − 9) (x2 + 9) = (3x − 8y) (3x + 8y)

= (x − 3) (x + 3) (x2 + 9)

(AP) Example 2: Completely factor the followings.

Look at (x − 2) and (3x + 1)
a. (x −4)2 − 49 Look at (x − 4) b. (2x + 3)2 − (3x − 1)2 as individual items!
as a single item!
= [ (x −4) − 7] [ (x − 4) + 7] = [ (2x + 3) − (3x + 1) ] [ (2x + 3) + (3x + 1) ]
Watch Out!
= (x − 11) (x + 3) = [−x + 4] [5x + 2] Subtracting a bracket!
= − (x − 4) (5x + 2) Take out negative sign
from the first bracket!

+ bx + c = ( a x) +
2
Perfect Trinomial Square ax 2
c

where a, c are square numbers, and b = 2 a ( )( c )

Example 3: Expand (3x + 2)2. = (3x +2) (3x + 2)

= 9x2 + 6x + 6x + 4

= 9x2 + 12 x + 4

9=3 ( )( 4 ) = 12
2 9 4=2
Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 13.
Example 4: Completely factor the followings.

a. 9x2 + 30x + 25 b. 4x2 − 28x + 49

9x2 + 30x + 25 4x2 − 28x + 49

9=3 2 9 ( )( 25 ) = 30 25 = 5 4=2 ( )( 49 ) = 28
2 4 49 = 7

= (3x + 5)2 = (2x − 7)2

(AP) Example 5: Factor x6 −20x3 + 100.

Assumes x6 +bx3 +c is the same as x2 + bx + c.
But the answer will be in the form of (x3 + ) (x3 + ).
x6 −20x3 + 100

x6 = x3 ( )( 100) = 20 x
2 x6 3 100 = 10
= (x3 − 10)2

Example 6: List all possible values for k that can make the following polynomials as perfect squares.

a. x2 + kx + 64 b. kx2 + 20x + 25

x2 + kx + 64 kx2 + 20x + 25

1 =1 k = 2(1)( 8) 64 = 8 ( )
20 = 2 k (5) 25 = 5
20 = 10( k)
The middle term of any perfect
k = 16 and −16 trinomial squares can have a positive or 2= k
a negative numerical coefficient!
k=4

c. 49x2 + 56xy + ky2

49x2 + 56xy + ky2

3-10 Homework Assignments

49 = 7 ( )
56 = 2(7) k
Regular: pg. 133 - 134 #13 to 43 (odd), 54 to 56

56 = 14( k) AP: pg. 133 - 134 #14 to 44 (even), 46 to 57, 59, 61, 63
4= k
k = 16

Page 14. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

4-1A: Dividing Polynomials
Original Number Remainder
Consider 562 ÷ 3.
187
3 562 562 1
We can say that = 187 +
3 3 3

26
Divisor Quotient Divisor
24
Quotient
22 Divisor
Original Number Remainder
21
R1 Or, we can say 562 = (3) (187) + 1

Polynomial Function Divisor Function

In general, for P(x) ÷ D(x), we can write

P( x) R
= Q( x ) + or P(x) = D(x) Q(x) + R
D( x ) D( x )

Restriction: D(x) ≠ 0 Quotient Function Remainder

Non-Permissible Value (NPV): - restriction on what the variable CANNOT be equal to due to the fact
that the Denominator CANNOT be 0.
(You can never divide by 0!)
Division with Monomials

Example 1: Simplify the followings

a.
21x 2 y 2
b.
(4 x )(6 x )
5 2
c.
6 x 3 + 9 x 2 + 15 x
3x 3x 3x Divide each
24 x 7 6x 3
9 x 2 15 x term of the
= 7xy2 = = + + polynomial
3x 3x 3x 3x by the
monomial.
3x ≠ 0 = 8x6 = 2x2 + 3x + 5
x≠0 NPV = 0
x≠0 ⇒ x≠0 x≠0 ⇒ x≠0
(NPV = 0) (NPV = 0)

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 15.

Long Division to Divide Polynomials

6 x 3 + 9 x 2 + 15 x + 21
6 x 3 + 9 x 2 + 15 x + 21
Example 2: Divide 2x + 1
2x +1
3
6x 9x 2 15 x 21
= + + +
3x 2 + 3x + 6 2x + 1 2x + 1 2x + 1 2x + 1
(2 x +)1 6 x 3 + 9 x 2 + 15 x + 21
(
− 6 x 3 + 3x 2 ) You cannot divide monomial by polynomial!

Dividing by Polynomial is only possible by Long Division!

6 x 2 + 15 x
(
− 6 x 2 + 3x ) 6 x 3 + 9 x + 15 x + 21
( )
= 3x 2 + 3x + 6 +
15
12 x + 21 2x +1 2x + 1

− (12 x +)6 OR

R = 15 6x3 + 9x2 + 15x + 21 = (2x + 1) (3x2 + 3x + 6) + 15

For NPV, we let 2x + 1 = 0

1
2x = −1 NPV: x = −
2

3x 3 − 4 x 2 + 5 x − 8
Example 3: Divide
x−2

3x 2 + 2 x + 9
(x − 2) 3x 3 − 4 x 2 + 5 x − 8
(
− 3x 3 − 6 x 2 ) 3x 3 − 4 x 2 + 5 x − 8
( )
= 3x 2 + 2 x + 9 +
10
x−2 x−2
2 x + 5x 2

(
− 2x 2 − 4x ) OR

3x3 − 4x2 + 5x − 8 = (x − 2) (3x2 + 2x + 9) + 10

9x − 8
− (9 x − 18
) For NPV, we let x − 2 = 0
x=2 NPV: x = 2
R = 10

Page 16. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

 Missing Term from
2x 3 − 7 x + 6
Example 4: Divide Decreasing Degree!
x −3

2 x 2 + 6 x + 11 2x 3 − 7x + 6 2x 3 + 0x 2 − 7x + 6
=
(x − 3) 2 x 3 + 0 x 2 − 7 x + 6 x−3 x−3

(
− 2x3 − 6x 2 )
2x 3 − 7x + 6
6x2 − 7x
x −3
( )
= 2 x 2 + 6 x + 11 +
39
x −3
(
− 6 x 2 − 18 x ) OR

11x + 6 2x3 − 7x + 6 = (x − 3) (2x2 + 6x + 11) + 39

− (11x − 33
) For NPV, we let x − 3 = 0
x=3 NPV: x = 3
R = 39

4 x 3 − 8x 2 + 7 x −1
Example 5: Divide 4 x 3 − 8x 2 + 7 x − 1 4 x 3 − 8x 2 + 7 x − 1
2x 2 + 3 =
2x 2 + 3 2x 2 + 0x + 3
2x − 4
( )
2 x 2 + 0 x + 3 4 x3 − 8x 2 + 7 x − 1 Missing Term from
Decreasing Degree!

(
− 4x3 + 0x 2 + 6x ) 4 x 3 − 8x + 7 x − 1 x + 11
= (2 x − )4 + 2
− 8x 2 + x − 1 2x + 3
2
2x + 3

( )
OR
− − 8 x + 0 x − 12
2

4x3 − 8x2 + 7x − 1 = (2x2 + 3) (2x − 4) + (x + 11)

R = x + 11
For NPV, 2x2 + 3 = 0 No NPV!
2x2 = −3 (cannot take square root
3
x2 = − of negative number)
2

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 17.

4-1B: Synthetic Division

Only works well on divisor that is in a form of x + a,

where Leading coefficient of Divisor is 1 on the divisor.

3x 3 − 4 x 2 + 5 x − 8
Example 1: Divide
x−2
Divisor

−2 3 −4 5 −8 Coefficients and constant of Polynomial

− − −
Subtract numbers in each column
−6 −4 −18
×
Remainder = 10
3 2 9 10
×
× Quotient = 3x2 + 2x + 9
(one degree less than the original polynomial)

2x 3 − 7 x + 6
Example 2: Divide
x−3

−3 2 0 −7 6
Quotient = 2x2 + 6x + 11
− − −
Remainder = 39
−6 −18 −33

2 6 11 39

2 x 3 − 3x 2 − 5 x + 6
Example 3: Divide
x+2

2 2 −3 −5 6
Quotient = 2x2 − 7x + 9
− − −
4 −14 18 Remainder = −12

2 −7 9 −12

Page 18. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc.

The Remainder Theorem
If you want to find only the remainder, you can simply substitute a from the Divisor,
(x − a), into the original Polynomial, P(x).

P( x)
In general, when , P(a) = Remainder
x−a

Example 4: Find the remainder of the followings.

3x 3 − 4 x 2 + 5 x − 8 2x 3 − 7 x + 6
a. b.
x−2 x−3

x−2=0 x−3=0
x=2 x=3

P(2) = 3(2)3 − 4(2)2 + 5(2) − 8 P(2) = 2(3)3 − 7(3) + 6

= 24 −16 + 10 − 8 = 54 − 21 + 6

Remainder = 10 Remainder = 39

2 x 3 − 3x 2 − 5 x + 6
c.
x+2

x+2=0
x = −2

P(2) = 2(−2)3 − 3(−2)2 − 5(−2) + 6

= −16 −12 + 10 + 6

Remainder = −12

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang, B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 19.