(x2+x−17)÷(x−4)

4 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x2+x−17)÷(x−4)

Polynomial Long Division: (x^2 + x - 17) ÷ (x - 4)

This article will guide you through the process of dividing the polynomial (x^2 + x - 17) by (x - 4) using long division.

Understanding Polynomial Long Division

Polynomial long division is a method for dividing polynomials, similar to the long division you learned in elementary school for numbers. The goal is to find the quotient and remainder of the division.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Set up the division:

         _________
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
    
  2. Divide the leading terms:

    • x (from the divisor) goes into x^2 (from the dividend) x times.
    • Write x above the x^2 term in the quotient.
         x       
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
    
  3. Multiply the quotient term by the divisor:

    • x * (x - 4) = x^2 - 4x
         x       
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
           x^2 - 4x
    
  4. Subtract the result from the dividend:

    • (x^2 + x) - (x^2 - 4x) = 5x
         x       
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
           x^2 - 4x
           -------
                  5x
    
  5. Bring down the next term:

    • Bring down the -17 from the dividend.
         x       
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
           x^2 - 4x
           -------
                  5x - 17
    
  6. Repeat the process:

    • x (from the divisor) goes into 5x (from the dividend) 5 times.
    • Write 5 next to the x in the quotient.
         x + 5
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
           x^2 - 4x
           -------
                  5x - 17
                  5x - 20 
    
  7. Multiply and subtract:

    • 5 * (x - 4) = 5x - 20
    • (5x - 17) - (5x - 20) = 3
         x + 5
    x - 4 | x^2 + x - 17
           x^2 - 4x
           -------
                  5x - 17
                  5x - 20 
                  -------
                       3 
    
  8. The remainder:

    • We are left with a remainder of 3.

Result:

The division of (x^2 + x - 17) by (x - 4) yields a quotient of (x + 5) and a remainder of 3. This can be expressed as:

(x^2 + x - 17) ÷ (x - 4) = x + 5 + 3/(x - 4)

Conclusion:

Polynomial long division is a systematic method for dividing polynomials. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully find the quotient and remainder of any polynomial division problem.

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