Dividing Polynomials

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In this lesson, we will look at how to divide polynomials by monomials.

To divide a polynomial by a monomial, each term of the polynomial is divided by the monomial. Be careful with the sign (+ or – ) of each term in your answer.

Example:

Evaluate (x² + 8x) ÷ x

Solution:

(x² + 8x) ÷ x

= [x² ÷ x] + [8x ÷ x]

= x + 8

Example:

Evaluate (4y⁴ – y³ + 2y²) ÷ (–y²)

Solution:

(4y⁴– y³ + 2y²) ÷ (–y²)

= [4y⁴ ÷ –y²] + [– y3 ÷ –y²] + [2y² ÷ –y²]

= –4y² + y – 2

You may want to look at the lessons on dividing polynomials by polynomials (also called long division) and synthetic division (a simplified form of long division)

Explains and shows examples of how to divide a polynomial by a monomial Dividing Polynomials by Monomials.

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