Solving the Polynomial Division: (x² + x - 17) ÷ (x - 4)
This article will guide you through the process of dividing the polynomial (x² + x - 17) by (x - 4). We will use the method of long division to solve this problem.
Long Division Steps
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Set up the division: Write the dividend (x² + x - 17) inside the division symbol and the divisor (x - 4) outside.
_______ x - 4 | x² + x - 17
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Divide the leading terms: Divide the leading term of the dividend (x²) by the leading term of the divisor (x). This gives us x. Write this quotient above the x² term in the dividend.
x x - 4 | x² + x - 17
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Multiply the quotient by the divisor: Multiply the quotient (x) by the entire divisor (x - 4) and write the result below the dividend.
x x - 4 | x² + x - 17 x² - 4x
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Subtract: Subtract the result from the dividend. Be sure to distribute the negative sign.
x x - 4 | x² + x - 17 x² - 4x ------- 5x - 17
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Bring down the next term: Bring down the next term (-17) from the dividend.
x x - 4 | x² + x - 17 x² - 4x ------- 5x - 17
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Repeat steps 2-5: Repeat the process by dividing the leading term of the new dividend (5x) by the leading term of the divisor (x). This gives us 5. Write this quotient above the -17.
x + 5 x - 4 | x² + x - 17 x² - 4x ------- 5x - 17 5x - 20
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Subtract: Subtract the result from the new dividend.
x + 5 x - 4 | x² + x - 17 x² - 4x ------- 5x - 17 5x - 20 ------- 3
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The remainder: The final result is the remainder (3).
Final Solution
Therefore, (x² + x - 17) ÷ (x - 4) = x + 5 + 3/(x - 4)