382  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems

A moth has moved into

your closet. She appeared
What am I in your bedroom at night,
supposed to learn? but somehow her relatively
After studying this section, you stout body escaped your
should be able to: clutches. Within a few weeks,
swarms of moths in your
❶ Use long division to divide tattered wardrobe suggest
polynomials.
that Mama Moth was in the
❷ Use synthetic division family way. There must be
to divide polynomials. at least 200 critters nesting
❸ Evaluate a polynomial in every crevice of your
using the Remainder clothing.
Theorem. Two hundred plus moth-tykes from one female moth—is this possible? Indeed it is.
❹ Use the Factor Theorem The number of eggs, f(x), in a female moth is a function of her abdominal width, x,
to solve a polynomial in millimeters, modeled by
equation. f(x) = 14x 3 - 17x 2 - 16x + 34, 1.5 … x … 3.5.
Because there are 200 moths feasting on your favorite sweaters, Mama’s abdominal
width can be estimated by finding the solutions of the polynomial equation
14x 3 - 17x 2 - 16x + 34 = 200.
How can we solve such an equation? You might begin by subtracting 200 from both
sides to obtain zero on one side. But then what? The factoring that we used in the
previous section will not work in this situation.
In the next section, we will present techniques for solving certain kinds of
polynomial equations. These techniques will further enhance your ability to
manipulate algebraically the polynomial functions that model your world. Because
these techniques are based on understanding polynomial division, in this section
we look at two methods for dividing polynomials. (We’ll return to Mama Moth’s
abdominal width in Exercise 51 in the Exercise Set.)

❶ Use long division to divide Long Division of Polynomials and the Division Algorithm
polynomials. In Example 1, we look at division by a polynomial containing more than one term:

x + 3 ) x2 + 10x + 21.

&KXKUQTJCUVYQVGTOU 6JGRQN[PQOKCNFKXKFGPFJCU
CPFKUCDKPQOKCN VJTGGVGTOUCPFKUCVTKPQOKCN

Because this process of dividing a polynomial by a binomial is similar to long division,

let’s first review long division of whole numbers by dividing 3983 by 26.

&KXKUQT 26 ) 3983 &KXKFGPF

1
39
26 ) 3983 Divide: = 1 plus a remainder.
26
26
Multiply: 1 ∙ 26 = 26.
138
Subtract: 39 − 26 = 13.
Bring down the next digit in the dividend.
 Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems   383

15
26 ) 3983
26
138
138 Divide: = 5 plus a remainder.
26
130
Multiply: 5 ∙ 26 = 130.
83
Subtract: 138 − 130 = 8.
Bring down the next digit in the dividend.

153
26 ) 3983
26
138
130
83
83 Divide: = 3 plus a remainder.
26
78
Multiply: 3 ∙ 26 = 78.
5
Subtract: 83 − 78 = 5.
There are no more digits to bring down so the remainder is 5.
The quotient is 153 and the remainder is 5. This can be written as

4GOCKPFGT
3WQVKGPV 5
153 26 .
&KXKUQT

5
15326
We see that 26) 3983 .
This answer can be checked. Multiply the divisor and the quotient. Then add the
remainder. If the result is the dividend, the answer is correct. In this case, we have
26(153) + 5 = 3978 + 5 = 3983.

&KXKUQT 3WQVKGPV 4GOCKPFGT 6JKUKUVJGFKXKFGPF

5
Because we obtained the dividend, the answer to the division problem, 15326 , is correct.
When a divisor has more than one term, the four steps used to divide whole
Great Question!
numbers—divide, multiply, subtract, bring down the next term—form the repetitive
You’ve mentioned more than procedure for polynomial long division.
once that we’re dividing by a
polynomial with more than
one term. Should I use the Example 1 Long Division of Polynomials
long-division process when the 2
Divide x + 10x + 21 by x + 3.
divisor only has one term?
No. When the divisor is a monomial, Solution
you should simply divide each term
The following process illustrates how polynomial division is very similar to division
of the dividend by the monomial
and then simplify the resulting
of whole numbers.
expressions.
x + 3) x2 + 10x + 21 Arrange the terms of the
6x 5 + 9x 4 - 24x 3 dividend (x 2 + 10x + 21)
3x 3 and the divisor (x + 3) in
6x 5 9x 4 24x 3 descending powers of x.
= 3
+ 3
- x
3x 3x 3x 3
= 2x 2 + 3x - 8 x + 3) x + 10x + 21
2
Divide x 2 (the first term in the
dividend) by x (the first term in
This is much simpler than long x2
division. the divisor): = x. Align like
x
terms.
384  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

x
x x+ =x+x x + 3) x + 10x + 21
2
Multiply each term in the divisor
x2 + 3x (x + 3) by x, aligning terms of
the product under like terms in
x the dividend.
x + 3) x + 10x + 21
2
Subtract x 2 + 3x from x 2 + 10x
⊝ ⊝
x2 + 3x by changing the sign of each
term in the lower expression and
7x
%JCPIGUKIPUQHVJG adding.
RQN[PQOKCNDGKPIUWDVTCEVGF

x
x + 3) x2 + 10x + 21 Bring down 21 from the original
x2 + 3x dividend and add algebraically
to form a new dividend.
7x + 21
x+ 7
x + 3) x + 10x + 21
2
Find the second term of the
x2 + 3x quotient. Divide the first term
of 7x + 21 by x, the first term
7x + 21 7x
of the divisor: = 7.
x
x+ 7
 x+ =x+ x + 3) x + 10x + 21
2
Multiply the divisor (x + 3)
x2 + 3x by 7, aligning under like terms in
the new dividend. Then subtract
7x + 21 to obtain the remainder of 0.
⊝ ⊝
7x + 21
0
4GOCKPFGT

The quotient is x + 7. Because the remainder is 0, we can conclude that x + 3 is a

factor of x 2 + 10x + 21 and
x 2 + 10x + 21
= x + 7. l l l
x + 3

Check Point 1 Divide x2 + 14x + 45 by x + 9.

Before considering additional examples, let’s summarize the general procedure

for dividing one polynomial by another.

Long Division of Polynomials

1. Arrange the terms of both the dividend and the divisor in descending
powers of any variable.
2. Divide the first term in the dividend by the first term in the divisor. The
result is the first term of the quotient.
3. Multiply every term in the divisor by the first term in the quotient. Write
the resulting product beneath the dividend with like terms lined up.
4. Subtract the product from the dividend.
5. Bring down the next term in the original dividend and write it next to the
remainder to form a new dividend.
6. Use this new expression as the dividend and repeat this process until the
remainder can no longer be divided. This will occur when the degree of
the remainder (the highest exponent on a variable in the remainder) is
less than the degree of the divisor.

In our next long division, we will obtain a nonzero remainder.

 Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems   385

Example 2 Long Division of Polynomials

Divide 4 - 5x - x 2 + 6x 3 by 3x - 2.

Solution
We begin by writing the dividend in descending powers of x.

4 - 5x - x 2 + 6x 3 = 6x 3 - x 2 - 5x + 4

A Brief Review • Dividing 6x 3

Monomials 2x2 Divide: = 2x 2.
3x
When dividing monomials
x x− =x−x 3x − 2) 6x3 − x2 − 5x + 4 Multiply: 2x 2(3x − 2) = 6x 3 − 4x 2.
⊝ ⊕
with the same base, 6x3 − 4x2
%JCPIGUKIPUQH
Subtract 6x 3 − 4x 2 from 6x 3 − x 2
subtract the exponent in VJGRQN[PQOKCN 3x2 − 5x and bring down –5x.
the denominator from the DGKPIUWDVTCEVGF
exponent in the numerator.
Use this difference as the
exponent of the common base: Now we divide 3x 2 by 3x to obtain x, multiply x and the divisor, and subtract.
6x 3 6
= x 3 - 1 = 2x 2.
3x 3
2x2 + x
For more detail, see Section P.2, x x− =x−x 3x − 2) 6x3 − x2 − 5x + 4
Objectives 2 and 8.
6x3 − 4x2 3x 2
2 Divide: = x.
3x − 5x 3x
⊝ ⊕
3x2 − 2x Multiply: x(3x − 2) = 3x 2 − 2x.
%JCPIGUKIPUQH Subtract 3x 2 − 2x from 3x 2 − 5x
VJGRQN[PQOKCN –3x + 4
DGKPIUWDVTCEVGF
and bring down 4.

Now we divide -3x by 3x to obtain -1, multiply -1 and the divisor, and subtract.

2x2 + x − 1
– x− =–x+ 3x − 2) 6x3 − x2 − 5x + 4
6x3 − 4x2
3x2 − 5x
3x2 − 2x –3x
Divide: = –1.
–3x + 4 3x
⊕ ⊝
–3x + 2 Multiply: –1(3x − 2) = –3x + 2.
%JCPIGUKIPUQH Subtract –3x + 2 from –3x + 4,
VJGRQN[PQOKCN 2
DGKPIUWDVTCEVGF leaving a remainder of 2.
4GOCKPFGT

The quotient is 2x 2 + x - 1 and the remainder is 2. When there is a nonzero

remainder, as in this example, list the quotient, plus the remainder above the
divisor. Thus,

4GOCKPFGT
6x3 − x2 − 5x + 4 2
= 2x2 + x − 1 + . CDQXGFKXKUQT
3x − 2 3x − 2
3WQVKGPV
 l l l
386  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

An important property of division can be illustrated by clearing fractions in

the equation that concluded Example 2. Multiplying both sides of this equation by
3x - 2 results in the following equation:
6x3 − x2 − 5x + 4 = (3x − 2)(2x2 + x − 1) + 2.

&KXKFGPF &KXKUQT 3WQVKGPV 4GOCKPFGT

Polynomial long division is checked by multiplying the divisor with the quotient and
then adding the remainder. This should give the dividend. The process illustrates
the Division Algorithm.

The Division Algorithm

If f(x) and d(x) are polynomials, with d(x) ≠ 0, and the degree of d(x) is less than or equal to the degree of f(x), then
there exist unique polynomials q(x) and r(x) such that
f(x) = d(x) ∙ q(x) + r(x).

&KXKFGPF &KXKUQT 3WQVKGPV 4GOCKPFGT

The remainder, r(x), equals 0 or it is of degree less than the degree of d(x). If r(x) = 0, we say that d(x) divides evenly
into f(x) and that d(x) and q(x) are factors of f(x).

Check Point 2 Divide 7 - 11x - 3x2 + 2x3 by x - 3. Express the result in

the form quotient, plus remainder divided by divisor.

If a power of x is missing in either a dividend or a divisor, add that power of x

with a coefficient of 0 and then divide. In this way, like terms will be aligned as you
carry out the long division.

Example 3 Long Division of Polynomials

Divide 6x + 5x + 3x - 5 by 3x 2 - 2x.
4 3

Solution
We write the dividend, 6x 4 + 5x 3 + 3x - 5, as 6x 4 + 5x 3 + 0x 2 + 3x - 5 to
keep all like terms aligned.
Multiply.

2x2 + 3x + 2
3x − 2x) 6x + 5x + 0x2 + 3x − 5
2 4 3
⊝ ⊕
6x4 − 4x3
x x−x =x−x 

9x3 + 0x2
⊝ ⊕
x x−x =x−x 9x3 − 6x2
 x−x =x−x 6x2 + 3x
⊝ ⊕
6x2 − 4x

4GOCKPFGT 7x − 5

The division process is finished because the degree of 7x - 5, which is 1, is less than
the degree of the divisor 3x 2 - 2x, which is 2. The answer is

6x 4 + 5x 3 + 3x - 5 7x - 5
= 2x 2 + 3x + 2 + . l l l
3x 2 - 2x 3x 2 - 2x

Check Point 3 Divide 2x4 + 3x3 - 7x - 10 by x2 - 2x.

 Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems   387

❷ Use synthetic division to divide Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division

polynomials. We can use synthetic division to divide polynomials if the divisor is of the form x - c.
This method provides a quotient more quickly than long division. Let’s compare the
two methods showing x 3 + 4x 2 - 5x + 5 divided by x - 3.

Long Division Synthetic Division

3WQVKGPV

x2 + 7x + 16
x − 3) x3 + 4x2 − 5x + 5 3 1 4 –5 5
⊝ 3 ⊕
x − 3x2 &KXKFGPF 3 21 48
&KXKUQT
x−c 7x2 − 5x 1 7 16 53
⊝ ⊕
c= 7x2 − 21x
16x + 5
⊝ ⊕
16x − 48
4GOCKPFGT
53

Notice the relationship between the polynomials in the long division process and the
numbers that appear in synthetic division.
6JGUGCTGVJGEQGHƂEKGPVUQHVJG
FKXKFGPFx+x−x+
6JGFKXKUQTKUx−
6JKUKUQTcKPx−c 3 1 4 –5 5
3 21 48
1 7 16 53

6JGUGCTGVJGEQGHƂEKGPVUQH 6JKUKUVJG
VJGSWQVKGPVx+x+ TGOCKPFGT

Now let’s look at the steps involved in synthetic division.

Synthetic Division
To divide a polynomial by x - c:
Example
1. Arrange the polynomial in x − 3) x3 + 4x2 − 5x + 5
descending powers, with a 0
coefficient for any missing term.
2. Write c for the divisor, x - c. To the 3 1 4 –5 5
right, write the coefficients of the
dividend.
3. Write the leading coefficient of the 3 1 4 –5 5
dividend on the bottom row. Bring down 1.

1
4. Multiply c (in this case, 3) times the 3 1 4 –5 5
value just written on the bottom 3
row. Write the product in the next
column in the second row. 1
/WNVKRN[D[∙=

5. Add the values in this new column, 3 1 4 –5 5

writing the sum in the bottom row. 3 Add.
1 7
388  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Example
6. Repeat this series of multiplications 3 1 4 –5 5
and additions until all columns are 3 21 Add.
filled in.
1 7 16
/WNVKRN[D[∙=

3 1 4 –5 5
Add.
3 21 48
1 7 16 53
/WNVKRN[D[∙=

7. Use the numbers in the last row 9TKVVGPHTQO

to write the quotient, plus the 
remainder above the divisor. The VJGNCUVTQYQHVJGU[PVJGVKEFKXKUKQP
degree of the first term of the 53
quotient is one less than the degree 1x2 + 7x + 16 +
x −3
of the first term of the dividend. x − 3) x3 + 4x2 − 5x + 5
The final value in this row is the
remainder.

Example 4 Using Synthetic Division

Use synthetic division to divide 5x 3 + 6x + 8 by x + 2.

Solution
The divisor must be in the form x - c. Thus, we write x + 2 as x - ( -2). This
means that c = -2. Writing a 0 coefficient for the missing x 2@term in the dividend,
we can express the division as follows:
x - ( -2)) 5x 3 + 0x 2 + 6x + 8.
Now we are ready to set up the problem so that we can use synthetic division.

7UGVJGEQGHƂEKGPVUQHVJGFKXKFGPF
x+x+x+KPFGUEGPFKPIRQYGTUQHx

6JKUKUcKP
x− –  –2 5 0 6 8

We begin the synthetic division process by bringing down 5. This is followed by a

series of multiplications and additions.

1. Bring down 5. 2. Multiply: −2(5) = −10. 3. Add: 0 + ( −10) = −10.

–2 5 0 6 8 –2 5 0 6 8 –2 5 0 6 8
–10 –10 Add.

5 5 5 –10
/WNVKRN[D[–

4. Multiply: −2( −10) = 20. 5. Add: 6 + 20 = 26.

–2 5 0 6 8 –2 5 0 6 8
–10 20 –10 20 Add.

5 –10 5 –10 26
/WNVKRN[–D[–
 Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems   389

6. Multiply: −2(26) = −52. 7. Add: 8 + ( −52) = −44.

–2 5 0 6 8 –2 5 0 6 8
Add.
–10 20 –52 –10 20 –52
5 –10 26 5 –10 26 –44
/WNVKRN[D[–

The numbers in the last row represent the coefficients of the quotient and the
remainder. The degree of the first term of the quotient is one less than that
of the dividend. Because the degree of the dividend, 5x 3 + 6x + 8, is 3, the degree
of the quotient is 2. This means that the 5 in the last row represents 5x 2.
–2 5 0 6 8
–10 20 –52
5 –10 26 –44

Great Question! 6JGSWQVKGPVKU 6JGTGOCKPFGT

x−x+ KU–
Can I always just use synthetic
division to divide polymonials?
Thus,
No. Synthetic division is used only
44
when the divisor is of the form 5x2 − 10x + 26 −
x - c. x+2
x + 2) 5x3 + 6x + 8  l l l

Check Point 4 Use synthetic division to divide x3 - 7x - 6 by x + 2.

❸ Evaluate a polynomial using the The Remainder Theorem

Remainder Theorem. Let’s consider the Division Algorithm when the dividend, f(x), is divided by x - c.
In this case, the remainder must be a constant because its degree is less than one, the
degree of x - c.

f(x) = (x − c)q(x) + r

&KXKFGPF &KXKUQT 3WQVKGPV 6JGTGOCKPFGTrKUCEQPUVCPVYJGP

FKXKFKPID[x−c

Now let’s evaluate f at c.

f(c) = (c - c)q(c) + r Find f (c) by letting x = c in f (x) = (x - c)q(x) + r.

This will give an expression for r.
f(c) = 0 # q(c) + r c - c = 0
f(c) = r 0 # q(c) = 0 and 0 + r = r.

What does this last equation mean? If a polynomial is divided by x - c, the

remainder is the value of the polynomial at c. This result is called the Remainder
Theorem.

The Remainder Theorem

If the polynomial f(x) is divided by x - c, then the remainder is f(c).

Example 5 shows how we can use the Remainder Theorem to evaluate a

polynomial function at 2. Rather than substituting 2 for x, we divide the function by
x - 2. The remainder is f(2).
390  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Example 5 Using the Remainder Theorem

to Evaluate a Polynomial Function
Given f(x) = x 3 - 4x 2 + 5x + 3, use the Remainder Theorem to find f(2).

Solution
By the Remainder Theorem, if f(x) is divided by x - 2, then the remainder is f(2).
We’ll use synthetic division to divide.
2 1 –4 5 3
2 –4 2
4GOCKPFGT
1 –2 1 5

The remainder, 5, is the value of f(2). Thus, f(2) = 5. We can verify that this is
correct by evaluating f(2) directly. Using f(x) = x 3 - 4x 2 + 5x + 3, we obtain

f(2) = 23 - 4 # 22 + 5 # 2 + 3 = 8 - 16 + 10 + 3 = 5. l l l

Check Point 5 Given f(x) = 3x3 + 4x2 - 5x + 3, use the Remainder

Theorem to find f( -4).

❹ Use the Factor Theorem to solve The Factor Theorem

a polynomial equation. Let’s look again at the Division Algorithm when the divisor is of the form x - c.
f(x) = (x − c)q(x) + r

&KXKFGPF &KXKUQT 3WQVKGPV %QPUVCPVTGOCKPFGT

By the Remainder Theorem, the remainder r is f(c), so we can substitute f(c) for r:

f(x) = (x - c)q(x) + f(c).

Notice that if f(c) = 0, then

f(x) = (x - c)q(x)

so that x - c is a factor of f(x). This means that for the polynomial function f(x), if
f(c) = 0, then x - c is a factor of f(x).
Let’s reverse directions and see what happens if x - c is a factor of f(x). This
means that

f(x) = (x - c)q(x).
If we replace x in f(x) = (x - c)q(x) with c, we obtain

f(c) = (c - c)q(c) = 0 # q(c) = 0.

Thus, if x - c is a factor of f(x), then f(c) = 0.

We have proved a result known as the Factor Theorem.

The Factor Theorem

Let f(x) be a polynomial.
a. If f(c) = 0, then x - c is a factor of f(x).
b. If x - c is a factor of f(x), then f(c) = 0.

The example that follows shows how the Factor Theorem can be used to solve a
polynomial equation.
 Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems   391

Example 6 Using the Factor Theorem

Solve the equation 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6 = 0 given that 3 is a zero of
f(x) = 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6.

Solution
We are given that 3 is a zero of f(x) = 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6. This means that
f(3) = 0. Because f(3) = 0, the Factor Theorem tells us that x - 3 is a factor of
f(x). We’ll use synthetic division to divide f(x) by x - 3.

2x2 + 3x − 2
Technology 3 2 –3 –11 6 x − 3) 2x − 3x2 − 11x + 6
3
Graphic Connections
6 9 –6
Because the solution set of Equivalently,
2 3 –2 0 2x3 − 3x2 − 11x + 6 = (x − 3)(2x2 + 3x − 2).
2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6 = 0
is 5 - 2, 12, 3 6 , this implies that the 6JGTGOCKPFGT
polynomial function XGTKƂGUVJCVx–KU
CHCEVQTQH
f(x) = 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6 x–x–x+
has x@intercepts (or zeros) at - 2, 12,
and 3. This is verified by the graph Now we can solve the polynomial equation.
of f.
2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6 = 0 This is the given equation.
xKPVGTEGRV  2
(x - 3)(2x + 3x - 2) = 0 Factor using the result from the
synthetic division.
(x - 3)(2x - 1)(x + 2) = 0 Factor the trinomial.

xKPVGTEGRV– x - 3 = 0 or 2x - 1 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 Set each factor equal to 0.

xKPVGTEGRV 1
x = 3 x = 2 x = -2 Solve for x.
[–10, 10, 1] by [–15, 15, 1]
The solution set is 5 -2, 12, 3 6 .  l l l

Based on the Factor Theorem, the following statements are useful in solving
polynomial equations:
1. If f(x) is divided by x - c and the remainder is zero, then c is a zero of f and
c is a root of the polynomial equation f(x) = 0.
2. If f(x) is divided by x - c and the remainder is zero, then x - c is a factor
of f(x).

Check Point 6 Solve the equation 15x3 + 14x2 - 3x - 2 = 0 given that

-1 is a zero of f(x) = 15x 3 + 14x 2 - 3x - 2.

Achieving Success
Don’t wait too long after class to review your notes. Reading notes while the classroom
experience is fresh in your mind will help you to remember what was covered during lecture.

Concept and Vocabulary Check

Fill in each blank so that the resulting statement is true.

1. Consider the following long division problem: 2. Consider the following long division problem:
3x - 1) 6x 3 + 7x 2 + 12x - 5.
x + 4) 6x - 4 + 2x 3.
We begin the division process by dividing
We begin the division process by rewriting the by . We obtain . We write this result
dividend as . above in the dividend.
392  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

3. In the following long division problem, the first step 6. After performing polynomial long division, the
has been completed: answer may be checked by multiplying the
2x 2 by the , and then adding the .
5x - 2) 10x 3 + 6x 2 - 9x + 10. You should obtain the .
The next step is to multiply and . 7. To divide x 3 + 5x 2 - 7x + 1 by x - 4 using
We obtain . We write this result synthetic division, the first step is to write
below .
4. In the following long division problem, the first two
8. To divide 4x 3 - 8x - 2 by x + 5 using synthetic
steps have been completed:
division, the first step is to write
2x
3x - 5) 6x 2 + 8x - 4.
6x 2 - 10x 9. True or false:
The next step is to subtract -1 3 -4 2 -1
from . We obtain . Then we bring -3 7 -9 means
down and form the new dividend .
3 -7 9 -10
5. In the following long division problem, most of the
3x - 4x 2 + 2x - 1
3
10
steps have been completed: = 3x 2 - 7x + 9 - .
3x - 5 x + 1 x+1
2x + 1) 6x - 7x + 4.
2 10. The Remainder Theorem states that if the
polynomial f(x) is divided by x - c, then the
6x 2 + 3x
remainder is .
-10x + 4
11. The Factor Theorem states that if f is a
-10x - 5
polynomial function and f(c) = 0, then is
? a factor of f(x).
Completing the step designated by the question
mark, we obtain . Thus, the quotient is
and the remainder is . The answer to this long
division problem is .

Exercise Set 3.3

Practice Exercises In Exercises 17–32, divide using synthetic division.
In Exercises 1–16, divide using long division. State the quotient, 17. (2x 2 + x - 10) , (x - 2) 18. (x 2 + x - 2) , (x - 1)
q(x), and the remainder, r(x). 19. (3x 2 + 7x - 20) , (x + 5)
1. (x 2 + 8x + 15) , (x + 5)
20. (5x 2 - 12x - 8) , (x + 3)
2. (x 2 + 3x - 10) , (x - 2)
3. (x 3 + 5x 2 + 7x + 2) , (x + 2) 21. (4x 3 - 3x 2 + 3x - 1) , (x - 1)

4. (x 3 - 2x 2 - 5x + 6) , (x - 3) 22. (5x 3 - 6x 2 + 3x + 11) , (x - 2)

3 2
5. (6x + 7x + 12x - 5) , (3x - 1) 23. (6x 5 - 2x 3 + 4x 2 - 3x + 1) , (x - 2)
3 2
6. (6x + 17x + 27x + 20) , (3x + 4) 24. (x 5 + 4x 4 - 3x 2 + 2x + 3) , (x - 3)
2
7. (12x + x - 4) , (3x - 2) 25. (x 2 - 5x - 5x 3 + x 4) , (5 + x)
8. (4x 2 - 8x + 6) , (2x - 1)
26. (x 2 - 6x - 6x 3 + x 4) , (6 + x)
3 2 2
2x + 7x + 9x - 20 3x - 2x + 5
9. 10. x5 + x3 - 2 x 7 + x 5 - 10x 3 + 12
x + 3 x - 3 27. 28.
x - 1 x + 2
4x 4 - 4x 2 + 6x x 4 - 81
11. 12. x 4 - 256 x 7 - 128
x - 4 x - 3 29. 30.
x - 4 x - 2
6x 3 + 13x 2 - 11x - 15 x 4 + 2x 3 - 4x 2 - 5x - 6 2x 5 - 3x 4 + x 3 - x 2 + 2x - 1
13. 14. 31.
3x 2 - x - 3 x2 + x - 2 x + 2
18x 4 + 9x 3 + 3x 2 2x 5 - 8x 4 + 2x 3 + x 2 x 5 - 2x 4 - x 3 + 3x 2 - x + 1
15. 16. 32.
3x 2 + 1 2x 3 + 1 x - 2
 Section 3.3 Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems   393

In Exercises 33–40, use synthetic division and the Remainder 49. 6x 3 - 11x 2 + 6x - 1 = 0
Theorem to find the indicated function value.
33. f(x) = 2x 3 - 11x 2 + 7x - 5; f(4) y=x−x+x−
34. f(x) = x 3 - 7x 2 + 5x - 6; f(3)
35. f(x) = 3x 3 - 7x 2 - 2x + 5; f( -3)
36. f(x) = 4x 3 + 5x 2 - 6x - 4; f( -2)
37. f(x) = x 4 + 5x 3 + 5x 2 - 5x - 6; f(3)
38. f(x) = x 4 - 5x 3 + 5x 2 + 5x - 6; f(2)
1
39. f(x) = 2x 4 - 5x 3 - x 2 + 3x + 2; f a - b
2
50. 2x 3 + 11x 2 - 7x - 6 = 0
2
40. f(x) = 6x 4 + 10x 3 + 5x 2 + x + 1; f a - b
3 y=x+x−x−

41. Use synthetic division to divide

f(x) = x 3 - 4x 2 + x + 6 by x + 1.
Use the result to find all zeros of f.
42. Use synthetic division to divide
f(x) = x 3 - 2x 2 - x + 2 by x + 1.
Use the result to find all zeros of f.
43. Solve the equation 2x 3 - 5x 2 + x + 2 = 0 given that 2 is a
Application Exercises
zero of f(x) = 2x 3 - 5x 2 + x + 2.
51. a. Use synthetic division to show that 3 is a solution of the
44. Solve the equation 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6 = 0 given that -2 polynomial equation
is a zero of f(x) = 2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 6.
45. Solve the equation 12x 3 + 16x 2 - 5x - 3 = 0 given that - 32 14x 3 - 17x 2 - 16x - 177 = 0.
is a root. b. Use the solution from part (a) to solve this problem. The
46. Solve the equation 3x 3 + 7x 2 - 22x - 8 = 0 given that - 13 number of eggs, f(x), in a female moth is a function of her
is a root. abdominal width, x, in millimeters, modeled by

f(x) = 14x 3 - 17x 2 - 16x + 34.

Practice Plus
What is the abdominal width when there are 211 eggs?
In Exercises 47–50, use the graph or the table to determine a
solution of each equation. Use synthetic division to verify that this 52. a. Use synthetic division to show that 2 is a solution of the
number is a solution of the equation. Then solve the polynomial polynomial equation
equation.
2h3 + 14h2 - 72 = 0.
47. x 3 + 2x 2 - 5x - 6 = 0
b. Use the solution from part (a) to solve this problem. The
width of a rectangular box is twice the height and the length
is 7 inches more than the height. If the volume is 72 cubic
inches, find the dimensions of the box.

y=x+x−x−
h
[0, 4, 1] by [–25, 25, 5] h+7
2h
48. 2x 3 + x 2 - 13x + 6 = 0
In Exercises 53–54, write a polynomial that represents the length
of each rectangle.
53.
6JGYKFVJKU
x+WPKVU

y=x+x−x+ 6JGCTGCKU
x−x+x+
USWCTGWPKVU
[–4, 0, 1] by [–25, 25, 5]
394  Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

54. 61. State the Remainder Theorem.

6JGYKFVJKU
 62. Explain how the Remainder Theorem can be used to find
x+WPKVU

f( -6) if f(x) = x 4 + 7x 3 + 8x 2 + 11x + 5. What advantage
is there to using the Remainder Theorem in this situation
6JGCTGCKU
x−x−x+ rather than evaluating f( -6) directly?
USWCTGWPKVU 63. How can the Factor Theorem be used to determine if x - 1 is
a factor of x 3 - 2x 2 - 11x + 12?
During the 1980s, the controversial economist Arthur Laffer 64. If you know that -2 is a zero of
promoted the idea that tax increases lead to a reduction in
f(x) = x 3 + 7x 2 + 4x - 12,
government revenue. Called supply-side economics, the theory
uses functions such as explain how to solve the equation
80x - 8000 x 3 + 7x 2 + 4x - 12 = 0.
f(x) = , 30 … x … 100.
x - 110
This function models the government tax revenue, f(x), in tens Technology Exercise
of billions of dollars, in terms of the tax rate, x. The graph of 65. For each equation that you solved in Exercises 43–46, use a
the function is shown. It illustrates tax revenue decreasing quite graphing utility to graph the polynomial function defined by
dramatically as the tax rate increases. At a tax rate of (gasp) 100%, the left side of the equation. Use end behavior to obtain a
the government takes all our money and no one has an incentive complete graph. Then use the graph’s x@intercepts to verify
to work. With no income earned, zero dollars in tax revenue is your solutions.
generated.
y Critical Thinking Exercises
f x = x– Make Sense? In Exercises 66–69, determine whether each
Government Tax Revenue
(tens of billions of dollars)

80 x– statement makes sense or does not make sense, and explain your
reasoning.
60
66. When performing the division (x 5 + 1) , (x + 1), there’s no
40 need for me to follow all the steps involved in polynomial long
#VCVCZTCVG division because I can work the problem in my head and see
20 KPVCZTGXGPWGKU that the quotient must be x 4 + 1.
IGPGTCVGF
67. Every time I divide polynomials using synthetic division, I am
x
20 40 60 80 100 using a highly condensed form of the long division procedure
Tax Rate where omitting the variables and exponents does not involve
Use function f and its graph to solve Exercises 55–56. the loss of any essential data.
68. The only nongraphic method that I have for evaluating a
55. a. Find and interpret f(30). Identify the solution as a point on
function at a given value is to substitute that value into the
the graph of the function.
function’s equation.
b. Rewrite the function by using long division to perform
69. I found the zeros of function f, but I still need to find the
(80x - 8000) , (x - 110). solutions of the equation f(x) = 0.
Then use this new form of the function to find f(30). Do In Exercises 70–73, determine whether each statement is true or
you obtain the same answer as you did in part (a)? false. If the statement is false, make the necessary change(s) to
c. Is f a polynomial function? Explain your answer. produce a true statement.
56. a. Find and interpret f(40). Identify the solution as a point on 70. If a trinomial in x of degree 6 is divided by a trinomial in x of
the graph of the function. degree 3, the degree of the quotient is 2.
71. Synthetic division can be used to find the quotient of
b. Rewrite the function by using long division to perform
10x 3 - 6x 2 + 4x - 1 and x - 12.
(80x - 8000) , (x - 110). 72. Any problem that can be done by synthetic division can also
be done by the method for long division of polynomials.
Then use this new form of the function to find f(40). Do 73. If a polynomial long-division problem results in a remainder
you obtain the same answer as you did in part (a)? that is a whole number, then the divisor is a factor of the
c. Is f a polynomial function? Explain your answer. dividend.
74. Find k so that 4x + 3 is a factor of
Explaining the Concepts
57. Explain how to perform long division of polynomials. Use 20x 3 + 23x 2 - 10x + k.
2x 3 - 3x 2 - 11x + 7 divided by x - 3 in your explanation. 75. When 2x 2 - 7x + 9 is divided by a polynomial, the quotient is
58. In your own words, state the Division Algorithm. 2x - 3 and the remainder is 3. Find the polynomial.
59. How can the Division Algorithm be used to check the quotient 76. Find the quotient of x 3n + 1 and x n + 1.
and remainder in a long division problem? 77. Synthetic division is a process for dividing a polynomial by
60. Explain how to perform synthetic division. Use the division x - c. The coefficient of x in the divisor is 1. How might
problem in Exercise 57 to support your explanation. synthetic division be used if you are dividing by 2x - 4?