Polynomial Long Division: (5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8) / (x + 1)
This article will guide you through the process of dividing the polynomial (5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8) by the binomial (x + 1) using polynomial long division.
Understanding Polynomial Long Division
Polynomial long division is a method for dividing polynomials, similar to the long division method used for numbers. The goal is to find the quotient and remainder of the division.
Steps for Polynomial Long Division
-
Set up the division: Write the dividend (5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8) inside the division symbol and the divisor (x + 1) outside.
__________ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8
-
Divide the leading terms: Divide the leading term of the dividend (5x^3) by the leading term of the divisor (x), which gives 5x^2. Write this above the division symbol.
5x^2 ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8
-
Multiply the quotient term by the divisor: Multiply 5x^2 by (x + 1) to get 5x^3 + 5x^2. Write this below the dividend.
5x^2 ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2
-
Subtract: Subtract the result from the dividend.
5x^2 ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2
-
Bring down the next term: Bring down the next term from the dividend (-6x).
5x^2 ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2 - 6x
-
Repeat steps 2-5: Divide the leading term of the new dividend (-14x^2) by the leading term of the divisor (x), which gives -14x. Write this above the division symbol.
5x^2 - 14x ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2 - 6x -14x^2 - 14x
Multiply -14x by (x + 1) and write the result below the new dividend. Subtract the result.
5x^2 - 14x ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2 - 6x -14x^2 - 14x --------- 8x
-
Bring down the next term: Bring down the next term from the dividend (+8).
5x^2 - 14x ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2 - 6x -14x^2 - 14x --------- 8x + 8
-
Repeat steps 2-5: Divide the leading term of the new dividend (8x) by the leading term of the divisor (x), which gives 8. Write this above the division symbol.
5x^2 - 14x + 8 ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2 - 6x -14x^2 - 14x --------- 8x + 8 8x + 8
Multiply 8 by (x + 1) and write the result below the new dividend. Subtract the result.
5x^2 - 14x + 8 ______ x + 1 | 5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8 5x^3 + 5x^2 --------- -14x^2 - 6x -14x^2 - 14x --------- 8x + 8 8x + 8 --------- 0
-
Result: The remainder is 0.
Therefore, (5x^3 - 9x^2 - 6x + 8) / (x + 1) = 5x^2 - 14x + 8.