4.2 Evaluating Polynomials
4.2 Evaluating Polynomials
4.2 Evaluating Polynomials
Division of Polynomials
Dividing Polynomials
Long division of polynomials is similar to long division of
whole numbers.
When you divide two polynomials you can check the answer
using the following:
x
x 1 x 2 3x 2 2. x( x 1) x 2 x
x2 + x
3. ( x 2 3x) ( x 2 x) 2 x
2x – 2
2x + 2 2x
4. x 2 x 2
x
–4
5. 2( x 1) 2 x 2
remainder
6. ( 2 x 2) ( 2 x 2) 4
–4
Answer: x + 2 +
x 1
Check: (x + 2) (x + 1) + (– 4) = x2 + 3x – 2 correct
quotient divisor remainder dividend
x – 3
x 2 x 2 5x 6
x2 – 2x
– 3x + 6
– 3x + 6
0
x2 + 0x – 2
x 3 x 3 3x 2 2 x 2
Note: the first subtraction x3 + 3x2
eliminated two terms from
0x2 – 2x + 2
the dividend.
– 2x – 6
Therefore, the quotient
8
skips a term.
8
Answer: x2 –2+ Check: (x + 3)(x2 – 2) + 8
x3
= x3 + 3x2 – 2x + 2