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19 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - Synthetic Division

The document explains how to use synthetic division to divide a polynomial by x - r. It provides steps for completing a synthetic division table, including multiplying coefficients and adding products to find subsequent coefficients. The example problem uses synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder when dividing a 4th degree polynomial by x + 5.

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Marco Fragoso
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22 views4 pages

19 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - Synthetic Division

The document explains how to use synthetic division to divide a polynomial by x - r. It provides steps for completing a synthetic division table, including multiplying coefficients and adding products to find subsequent coefficients. The example problem uses synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder when dividing a 4th degree polynomial by x + 5.

Uploaded by

Marco Fragoso
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem

Student Name : Student


Student Date: 04/17/2024
04/17/2024 10:36
10:36 PM
PM
Marcofragoso0
Marcofragoso0
Login Name : SMARCOFRAGOSO0
SMARCOFRAGOSO0 Class Name : PreCalculus
PreCalculus and
and
Problem
Problem Solving
Solving

Polynomial and Rational Functions

Synthetic division

SAMPLE QUESTION

3 2
Use synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder when 2x + 9x − 4x + 5 is divided by x + 5
by completing the parts below.
(a) Complete this synthetic division table.

− 5) 2 9 −4 5
___ ___ ___

___ ___ ___ ___

Remainder
(b) Write your answer in the following form: Quotient + .
x+5
3 2
2x + 9x − 4x + 5 ___
= _______________ +
x+5 x+5

EXPLANATION

Synthetic division is a shortcut used for dividing a polynomial of degree 1 or higher by a polynomial of the form
x − r.

This technique comes from looking at the coefficients of the polynomial and the value of r .

Steps
Steps for
for dividing
dividing aa polynomial by x − r using
polynomial by using synthetic
synthetic division:
division:

Step 11:: Arrange the coefficients of the polynomial in order of descending powers of x. Write 0 as the
Step
coefficient for each missing power.

3 2
In the current problem, we have the polynomial 2x + 9x − 4x + 5. So in order of descending
powers of x, the coefficients are as follows.
2 9 −4 5

Step
Step 22:: Insert the usual division symbol over the coefficients found in Step 1.

2 9 −4 5

Step 33:: Given the divisor in the form x − r , identify the value of r .
Step

In the current problem, the divisor is x + 5 = x − −5 . Therefore, r = − 5.

Step 44:: Insert r to the left of the division symbol in Step 2.


Step

−5 2 9 −4 5

Step
Step 55:: Bring the leading coefficient of the dividend down, and enter it in Row 3.

For the current problem, the leading coefficient of the dividend is 2.

−5 2 9 −4 5 Row 1

↓ Row 2
2 Row 3

Step
Step 66:: Generate the second and third rows of numbers as follows.

(i) After bringing down the first coefficient of the dividend (Step 5), multiply it by r . Place the resulting
product in Row 2, beneath the second coefficient of the dividend.

For the current problem, this means that we write − 5 × 2 = − 10 below the coefficient 9.

−5 2 9 −4 5 Row 1

− 10 Row 2
2 Row 3

(ii) Add this product to the second coefficient of the dividend, and place the sum in Row 3.

For the current problem, this means that we write 9 + − 10 = − 1 in Row 3.


−5 2 9 −4 5 Row 1

− 10 Row 2
2 −1 Row 3

(iii) Multiply this sum by r , and place the resulting product in Row 2.

For the current problem, this means that we write − 5 × − 1 = 5 below the coefficient − 4.

−5 2 9 −4 5 Row 1

− 10 5 Row 2
2 −1 Row 3

(iv) Add this product to the third coefficient of the dividend, and place the sum in Row 3.

For the current problem, this means that we write − 4 + 5 = 1 in Row 3.

−5 2 9 −4 5 Row 1

− 10 5 Row 2
2 −1 1 Row 3

(v) Repeat this process until a product is added to the constant term of the dividend.

In our case, 5 is the constant term of the dividend. So we repeat until we get the following.

−5 2 9 −4 5 Row 1

− 10 5 −5 Row 2
2 −1 1 0 Row 3

Step
Step 77:: The final entry in Row 3 is the remainder. The other entries in the row are the coefficients (in
descending order) of a polynomial whose degree is 1 less than that of the dividend. This polynomial is
the quotient.

2
In our case, the remainder is 0 and the quotient is 2x − x + 1.

ANSWER
(a) Complete this synthetic division table.

− 5) 2 9 −4 5
− 10 5 −5

2 −1 1 0
Remainder
(b) Write your answer in the following form: Quotient + .
x+5
3 2
2x + 9x − 4x + 5 2 0
= 2x − x + 1 +
x+5 x+5

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