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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBlitzer 8th EditionCh. 3 - Polynomial and Rational FunctionsProblem 23
Chapter 4, Problem 23

Divide using synthetic division. (6x5−2x3+4x2−3x+1)÷(x−2)

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1
Identify the dividend polynomial and the divisor. Here, the dividend is \(6x^{5} - 2x^{3} + 4x^{2} - 3x + 1\) and the divisor is \(x - 2\).
Set up synthetic division by writing the coefficients of the dividend polynomial in descending order of powers of \(x\). Since the polynomial is missing the \(x^{4}\) term, include a 0 for its coefficient. The coefficients are: \(6, 0, -2, 4, -3, 1\).
Write the zero of the divisor \(x - 2\) which is \(2\) (since \(x - 2 = 0\) implies \(x = 2\)) to the left of the synthetic division setup.
Perform synthetic division by bringing down the first coefficient, then multiply it by 2 and add to the next coefficient, repeating this process across all coefficients.
Interpret the final row of numbers as the coefficients of the quotient polynomial, starting from one degree less than the original polynomial, and the last number as the remainder.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Synthetic Division

Synthetic division is a shortcut method for dividing a polynomial by a linear binomial of the form (x - c). It simplifies the long division process by using only the coefficients of the polynomial and performing arithmetic operations in a tabular form.
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Polynomial Coefficients and Terms

Understanding the coefficients and terms of a polynomial is essential for synthetic division. Each term's coefficient is used in the division process, and missing degrees must be accounted for by inserting zero coefficients to maintain proper alignment.
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Remainder and Quotient Interpretation

After performing synthetic division, the resulting numbers represent the coefficients of the quotient polynomial, and the last number is the remainder. Interpreting these correctly helps in expressing the division result as quotient plus remainder over the divisor.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Divide using synthetic division. (x5+4x4−3x2+2x+3)÷(x−3)

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Textbook Question

Use the Leading Coefficient Test to determine the end behavior of the graph of the polynomial function. f(x)=−5x4+7x2−x+9f(x)=−5x^4+7x^2−x+9

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Textbook Question

Solve each polynomial inequality in Exercises 1–42 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation. −x2 + x ≥ 0

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Textbook Question

Solve each polynomial inequality in Exercises 1–42 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation. −x2 + 2x ≥ 0

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Textbook Question

Find the vertical asymptotes, if any, and the values of x corresponding to holes, if any, of the graph of each rational function. g(x)=(x+3)/x(x+4)

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Textbook Question

In Exercises 17–24, a) List all possible rational roots. b) List all possible rational roots. c) Use the quotient from part (b) to find the remaining roots and solve the equation. x4−2x3−5x2+8x+4=0

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