|
What to Do |
How to Do It |
| Divide a polynomial by a binomial using the
methods of long division.
|
x2
-5x + 6 รท x - 2 |
| The polynomial must be arranged in
descending order with spaces left as
placeholders for any missing powers. |
 |
| Divide the first term of the binomial exactly into
the first term of the polynomial. Multiply the
resulting quotient term times all of the binomial.
|
 |
| Subtract this product by the rules of algebra,
change signs and add →
Write the resulting sum and continue :
|
 |
| Bring down the next polynomial term
and repeat these steps.
|
 |
| Look at the first term of the next binomial:
Divide x into -3x →
Multiply divisor binomial and subtract this product
change signs and add
Divide x into - 3x → |
 |
| When the
remainder of the division of a polynomial by a binomial is equal to
zero,
the divisor and quotient are called exact divisors or factors of the polynomial.
Check by multiplying the divisor by the quotient : (x − 2)( x − 3) = x2 − 5x + 6 |
