April 04, 2023

Dividing Polynomials - Definition, Synthetic Division, Long Division, and Examples

Polynomials are math expressions which includes one or more terms, each of which has a variable raised to a power. Dividing polynomials is an essential operation in algebra which involves working out the quotient and remainder when one polynomial is divided by another. In this blog, we will examine the various techniques of dividing polynomials, including long division and synthetic division, and provide instances of how to utilize them.


We will further discuss the importance of dividing polynomials and its utilizations in multiple domains of math.

Prominence of Dividing Polynomials

Dividing polynomials is an important function in algebra that has several uses in various fields of math, involving number theory, calculus, and abstract algebra. It is utilized to solve a wide spectrum of problems, involving figuring out the roots of polynomial equations, calculating limits of functions, and solving differential equations.


In calculus, dividing polynomials is applied to find the derivative of a function, which is the rate of change of the function at any point. The quotient rule of differentiation involves dividing two polynomials, that is utilized to work out the derivative of a function that is the quotient of two polynomials.


In number theory, dividing polynomials is applied to learn the features of prime numbers and to factorize huge values into their prime factors. It is also applied to learn algebraic structures such as rings and fields, which are fundamental concepts in abstract algebra.


In abstract algebra, dividing polynomials is utilized to define polynomial rings, that are algebraic structures that generalize the arithmetic of polynomials. Polynomial rings are applied in various fields of math, including algebraic number theory and algebraic geometry.

Synthetic Division

Synthetic division is a method of dividing polynomials that is used to divide a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x - c), at point which c is a constant. The technique is based on the fact that if f(x) is a polynomial of degree n, subsequently the division of f(x) by (x - c) provides a quotient polynomial of degree n-1 and a remainder of f(c).


The synthetic division algorithm consists of writing the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, applying the constant as the divisor, and performing a series of calculations to work out the remainder and quotient. The answer is a streamlined structure of the polynomial that is straightforward to function with.

Long Division

Long division is an approach of dividing polynomials which is applied to divide a polynomial by any other polynomial. The method is founded on the reality that if f(x) is a polynomial of degree n, and g(x) is a polynomial of degree m, at which point m ≤ n, next the division of f(x) by g(x) gives a quotient polynomial of degree n-m and a remainder of degree m-1 or less.


The long division algorithm involves dividing the highest degree term of the dividend with the highest degree term of the divisor, and further multiplying the outcome by the entire divisor. The result is subtracted from the dividend to obtain the remainder. The process is recurring until the degree of the remainder is lower in comparison to the degree of the divisor.

Examples of Dividing Polynomials

Here are some examples of dividing polynomial expressions:

Example 1: Synthetic Division

Let's say we need to divide the polynomial f(x) = 3x^3 + 4x^2 - 5x + 2 by the linear factor (x - 1). We could use synthetic division to streamline the expression:


1 | 3 4 -5 2 | 3 7 2 |---------- 3 7 2 4


The outcome of the synthetic division is the quotient polynomial 3x^2 + 7x + 2 and the remainder 4. Hence, we can state f(x) as:


f(x) = (x - 1)(3x^2 + 7x + 2) + 4


Example 2: Long Division

Example 2: Long Division

Let's say we want to divide the polynomial f(x) = 6x^4 - 5x^3 + 2x^2 + 9x + 3 by the polynomial g(x) = x^2 - 2x + 1. We could use long division to simplify the expression:


To start with, we divide the largest degree term of the dividend with the highest degree term of the divisor to obtain:


6x^2


Next, we multiply the whole divisor by the quotient term, 6x^2, to attain:


6x^4 - 12x^3 + 6x^2


We subtract this from the dividend to obtain the new dividend:


6x^4 - 5x^3 + 2x^2 + 9x + 3 - (6x^4 - 12x^3 + 6x^2)


that simplifies to:


7x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x + 3


We repeat the method, dividing the highest degree term of the new dividend, 7x^3, with the largest degree term of the divisor, x^2, to get:


7x


Subsequently, we multiply the entire divisor with the quotient term, 7x, to obtain:


7x^3 - 14x^2 + 7x


We subtract this from the new dividend to get the new dividend:


7x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x + 3 - (7x^3 - 14x^2 + 7x)


which streamline to:


10x^2 + 2x + 3


We repeat the process again, dividing the largest degree term of the new dividend, 10x^2, with the highest degree term of the divisor, x^2, to get:


10


Next, we multiply the entire divisor with the quotient term, 10, to get:


10x^2 - 20x + 10


We subtract this from the new dividend to obtain the remainder:


10x^2 + 2x + 3 - (10x^2 - 20x + 10)


that simplifies to:


13x - 10


Therefore, the answer of the long division is the quotient polynomial 6x^2 - 7x + 9 and the remainder 13x - 10. We could express f(x) as:


f(x) = (x^2 - 2x + 1)(6x^2 - 7x + 9) + (13x - 10)

Conclusion

In Summary, dividing polynomials is an important operation in algebra which has multiple uses in multiple domains of math. Comprehending the various approaches of dividing polynomials, such as synthetic division and long division, can help in figuring out complex challenges efficiently. Whether you're a student struggling to comprehend algebra or a professional operating in a domain which includes polynomial arithmetic, mastering the concept of dividing polynomials is important.


If you desire help understanding dividing polynomials or any other algebraic theories, consider reaching out to Grade Potential Tutoring. Our expert tutors are accessible remotely or in-person to give customized and effective tutoring services to help you succeed. Call us right now to schedule a tutoring session and take your math skills to the next stage.