Dividing Polynomials: (2x^3 + 5x^2 + 9) ÷ (x + 3)
This article will guide you through the process of dividing the polynomial (2x^3 + 5x^2 + 9) by (x + 3) using polynomial long division.
Polynomial Long Division
Polynomial long division is similar to long division with numbers. Here's how it works:
-
Set up the division: Write the dividend (2x^3 + 5x^2 + 9) inside the division symbol and the divisor (x + 3) outside.
____________ x + 3 | 2x^3 + 5x^2 + 0x + 9
-
Divide the leading terms: Divide the leading term of the dividend (2x^3) by the leading term of the divisor (x). This gives 2x^2. Write this above the division symbol.
2x^2 x + 3 | 2x^3 + 5x^2 + 0x + 9
-
Multiply and subtract: Multiply the divisor (x + 3) by the term you just wrote (2x^2). This gives 2x^3 + 6x^2. Write this result below the dividend and subtract.
2x^2 x + 3 | 2x^3 + 5x^2 + 0x + 9 -(2x^3 + 6x^2) ---------------- -x^2 + 0x
-
Bring down the next term: Bring down the next term of the dividend (0x).
2x^2 x + 3 | 2x^3 + 5x^2 + 0x + 9 -(2x^3 + 6x^2) ---------------- -x^2 + 0x
-
Repeat steps 2-4: Repeat the process of dividing, multiplying, and subtracting. Divide the new leading term (-x^2) by the leading term of the divisor (x), which gives -x. Write this above the division symbol. Multiply (x + 3) by -x and subtract.
2x^2 - x x + 3 | 2x^3 + 5x^2 + 0x + 9 -(2x^3 + 6x^2) ---------------- -x^2 + 0x -(-x^2 - 3x) --------------- 3x + 9
-
Continue until the degree of the remainder is less than the degree of the divisor: Bring down the next term (9) and repeat the process.
2x^2 - x + 3 x + 3 | 2x^3 + 5x^2 + 0x + 9 -(2x^3 + 6x^2) ---------------- -x^2 + 0x -(-x^2 - 3x) --------------- 3x + 9 -(3x + 9) ---------- 0
Result
The remainder is 0. Therefore, (2x^3 + 5x^2 + 9) divided by (x + 3) is 2x^2 - x + 3.
We can express this result as:
(2x^3 + 5x^2 + 9) ÷ (x + 3) = 2x^2 - x + 3