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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 4, Problema 78

Use synthetic division to show that 5 is a solution of x^4−4x^3−9x^2+16x+20=0. Then solve the polynomial equation.

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Set up synthetic division by writing the coefficients of the polynomial x4 - 4x3 - 9x2 + 16x + 20. The coefficients are [1, -4, -9, 16, 20].
Since we want to test if 5 is a root, use 5 as the divisor in synthetic division. Write 5 to the left and bring down the first coefficient (1) as is.
Multiply 5 by the number just brought down (1), write the result under the next coefficient (-4), then add the column: -4 + 5 = 1. Repeat this process for each coefficient: multiply the last sum by 5, write it under the next coefficient, and add.
If the final sum (remainder) is 0, then 5 is a root of the polynomial. The numbers obtained before the remainder represent the coefficients of the quotient polynomial of degree 3.
Solve the quotient cubic polynomial obtained from synthetic division by factoring or using other methods (such as factoring by grouping, rational root theorem, or quadratic formula if it reduces to a quadratic) to find the remaining roots of the original polynomial.

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Synthetic Division

Synthetic division is a shortcut method for dividing a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x - c). It simplifies the division process by using only the coefficients of the polynomial, making it faster and less error-prone than long division. It also helps determine if c is a root by checking if the remainder is zero.
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The Remainder Theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by (x - c), the remainder is f(c). If the remainder is zero, then c is a root of the polynomial, meaning (x - c) is a factor. This concept is essential for verifying solutions and factoring polynomials.
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