Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

Dividing Polynomials 117

xx

x

(^24)
3
+−x

• =+xx+ (^34) ))))x +−xx
  2
  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+ (^34) ))))))xx +xx−
  2
  x
  Step 3. Multiply x+ 3 by x and enter the product under the dividend.
  xx+ )) x


• 
  

  (^3) ))))xx^2 +x− 4
  2
  x
  xx+ 3
  Step 4. Subtract x^2 + 3 x from the dividend, being sure to mentally change
  the signs of both x^2 and 3x.
  xx) x
  xx

  
  

+

+

−

(^34) ))))xx^2 +x−
2
x

3

2 x

Step 5. Bring down − 4 , the next term of the dividend, and repeat steps

2–4.

xx)) x

x

xx

x

+

−

+

−−x

(^34) ))))xx +x−
3
2
2

2

2 4

− 26 −

2

x

Step 6. State the quotient and remainder.

The quotient is x− 2 and the remainder is 2.