Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

Dividing Polynomials 115

Step 6. Bring down 1, the last term of the dividend, and repeat steps 2–4.

(^21) ) 4681

22

4

(^3266)
2
32
x xxx 686
xx
xx
(^1) ) 4 88 x+
22 x+ 33
4 x^32
−
−

48 +

42 +

2

2

xx+ 8

xx+ 2

6 x+ 1

63 x−

4

Step 7. State the quotient and remainder.

The quotient is 22 xx^222 x+ 3 and the remainder is 4.

b.

x

x

(^38)
2
−
−
Step 1. Using the long division symbol ()) , arrange the terms of both the
dividend and the divisor in descending powers of the variable x.
Insert zeros as placeholders for missing powers of x.
x
x
(^38)
2

−

−

=xx− (^2) )) + 008 + −
3
Step 2. Divide the fi rst term of the dividend by the fi rst term of the divisor
and write the answer as the fi rst term of the quotient.
xx (^2) ))))x + 008 + −
3
x^2
Step 3. Multiply x− 2 by x^2 and enter the product under the dividend.
xx (^2) ))))x + 008 + −
3
x^2
xx^322
x^382
2 4
−
− ≠+
2
x.
Avoid this common error.