Simplifying the Expression (a² - 28) ÷ (a - 5)
This article will guide you through simplifying the expression (a² - 28) ÷ (a - 5).
Understanding the Expression
The expression involves:
- Division: We are dividing the polynomial (a² - 28) by the binomial (a - 5).
Simplifying using Polynomial Long Division
One way to simplify this expression is using polynomial long division. Here's how it works:
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Set up the division:
________ a - 5 | a² - 28
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Divide the leading terms:
- The leading term of the divisor (a - 5) is 'a'.
- The leading term of the dividend (a² - 28) is 'a²'.
- a² ÷ a = a. Write 'a' above the line.
a a - 5 | a² - 28
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Multiply the quotient by the divisor:
- a * (a - 5) = a² - 5a. Write this below the dividend.
a a - 5 | a² - 28 a² - 5a
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Subtract:
- (a² - 28) - (a² - 5a) = 5a - 28. Bring down the -28.
a a - 5 | a² - 28 a² - 5a ------- 5a - 28
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Repeat steps 2-4:
- The leading term of the new dividend is '5a'.
- 5a ÷ a = 5. Write '+ 5' next to the 'a' above the line.
a + 5 a - 5 | a² - 28 a² - 5a ------- 5a - 28 5a - 25
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Subtract:
- (5a - 28) - (5a - 25) = -3. This is our remainder.
a + 5 a - 5 | a² - 28 a² - 5a ------- 5a - 28 5a - 25 ------- -3
Therefore, (a² - 28) ÷ (a - 5) = a + 5 - 3/(a - 5)
Conclusion
The simplified form of (a² - 28) ÷ (a - 5) is a + 5 - 3/(a - 5). This result can be useful for further algebraic manipulations and problem-solving.