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Synthetic Division
In this lesson, we will look at Synthetic Division, which is simplified form of long division.
Synthetic Division is an abbreviated way of dividing a polynomial by a binomial of the form (x + c) or (x – c). We can simplify the division by detaching the coefficients.
(x3– 8x + 3) is called the dividend and (x + 3) is called the divisor.
Step 1:
Write down the constant of the divisor with the sign changed
–3
Step 2:
Write down the coefficients of the dividend. (Remember to add a coefficient of 0 for the missing terms)
Step 3:
Bring down the first coefficient.
Step 4:
Multiply (1)( –3) = –3 and add to the next coefficient.
Repeat Step 4 for all the coefficients
We find that (x3– 8x + 3) ÷ (x + 3) = x2 – 3x + 1
Videos
It is easier to learn Synthetic Division visually. Please watch the following videos for more examples of Synthetic Division.
Synthetic Division - This video shows how you can use synthetic division to divide a polynomial by a linear expression. It also shows how synthetic division can be used to evaluate polynomials!
Synthetic Division This video shows how to use synthetic division to divide a polynomial by a linear expression and also how to use the remainder to evaluate the polynomial.
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