Division of polynomials
Let's look at two different types of division:
- long division of polynomials
- synthetic division
We'll consider each in turn.
Long division of polynomials
Watch this video to learn about long division of polynomials.
You can use long division to divide algebraic expressions. For example:
\(({x^2} + 7x + 3) \div (x - 1)\)
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The answer is:
\(({x^2} + 7x + 3) = (x - 1)(x + 8) + 11\)
There are a few more terms that it is good to know when you are dividing polynomials:
- dividend - The polynomial you are factorising/dividing. In this case \({x^2} + 7x + 3\)
- divisor - The number or expression you are dividing by. In this case \(x - 1\)
- quotient - The result found by dividing the dividend by the divisor (not including the remainder). In this case \(x + 8\)
- remainder - The number left over that cannot be divided any more. In this case \(11\)
