Divide using synthetic division. (x5+x3−2)/(x−1)

Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions

Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook

All textbooks

Blitzer 8th Edition

Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions

Problem 27

Chapter 4, Problem 27

Divide using synthetic division. (x⁵+x³−2)/(x−1)

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the dividend and divisor. The dividend is the polynomial $x^{5} + x^{3} - 2$ and the divisor is $x - 1$.

Set up synthetic division by writing the coefficients of the dividend in descending order of powers. For $x^{5} + x^{3} - 2$, the coefficients are $1$ (for $x^{5}$), $0$ (for $x^{4}$), $1$ (for $x^{3}$), $0$ (for $x^{2}$), $0$ (for $x$), and $-2$ (constant term).

Since the divisor is $x - 1$, use $1$ as the synthetic divisor (the zero of $x - 1$). Write this number to the left of the coefficients.

Begin synthetic division: bring down the first coefficient (1) as is. Multiply it by the divisor (1) and write the result under the next coefficient. Add the column and write the sum below. Repeat this multiply-and-add process for all coefficients.

After completing the synthetic division, interpret the bottom row as the coefficients of the quotient polynomial, starting from one degree less than the original dividend, and the last number as the remainder.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Synthetic Division

Synthetic division is a shortcut method for dividing a polynomial by a linear binomial of the form (x - c). It simplifies the long division process by using only the coefficients of the polynomial, making calculations faster and less error-prone.

Polynomial Coefficients and Missing Terms

When performing synthetic division, it is important to include coefficients for all powers of x, even if some terms are missing. For example, x^5 + x^3 - 2 should be written with zeros for x^4, x^2, and x terms to maintain proper alignment during division.

Remainder and Quotient Interpretation

The result of synthetic division gives a quotient polynomial and possibly a remainder. The quotient represents the division result without the remainder, and the remainder is the constant left over. The original polynomial equals (divisor × quotient) + remainder.

Recommended video:

3:49

Product, Quotient, and Power Rules of Logs

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Divide using synthetic division. (x⁷+x⁵−10x³+12)/(x+2)

Textbook Question

Find the zeros for each polynomial function and give the multiplicity for each zero. State whether the graph crosses the x-axis, or touches the x-axis and turns around, at each zero. f(x)=−3(x+1/2)(x−4)³

Textbook Question

Use the vertex and intercepts to sketch the graph of each quadratic function. Give the equation of the parabola's axis of symmetry. Use the graph to determine the function's domain and range. f(x)=x²−2x−3

Textbook Question

Divide using long division. $(4 x^{3} - 3 x^{2} - 2 x + 1) \div (x + 1)$

views

Textbook Question

Solve each polynomial inequality in Exercises 1–42 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation. 4x²−4x+1≥0

views

Textbook Question

Solve each polynomial inequality in Exercises 1–42 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation. 9x²−6x+1<0

views