Lets look at how to do this

using the example:

5 x
#1

4 x x 6 ( x 3)
2

In order to use synthetic division these

two things must happen:
#2 The divisor must
There must be a
coefficient for
have a leading
every possible
coefficient of 1.
power of the
variable.

Step #1: Write the terms of the polynomial so

the degrees are in descending order.

5x 0x 4x x 6
4

Since the numerator does not contain all the powers of x,

you must include a 0 for the x 3 .

Step #2: Write the constant a of the divisor

x- a to the left and write down the
coefficients.

Since the divisor x 3, then a 3

5x
3

0x

4 x

x 6

Step #3: Bring down the first coefficient, 5.

5 0 4 1 6

Step #4: Multiply the first coefficient by r (3*5).

15
5

4 1 6

Step #5: After multiplying in the diagonals,

add the column.

Add the
column

15
5 15

4 1 6

Step #6: Multiply the sum, 15, by r; 15 3=15,

and place this number under the next coefficient,
then add the column again.

Add

4 1 6

15 45
5 15 41
Multiply the diagonals, add the columns.

Step #7: Repeat the same procedure as step #6.

Add
Columns

Add
Columns

Add
Columns

Add
Columns

15 45 123 372
5 15 41 124 378

Step #8: Write the quotient.

The numbers along the bottom are
coefficients of the power of x in
descending order, starting with the
power that is one less than that of
the dividend.

The quotient is:

378
5x 15x 41x 124
x3
3

Remember to place the

remainder over the divisor.

Try this one:

1) (t 3 6t 2 1) (t 2)

1 6

2 16 32
1 8 16 31
31
Quotient 1t 8t 16
t 2
2