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245
Lesson 4-3: Dividing
Polynomials, Day 2
WEDNESDAY 1/5/22 Warm Up:
ALGEBRA II Simplify (m3 – 3m2 – 18m + 40) ÷ (m + 4).
MRS. YEAGER A. m3 + 10
B. m2 + m + 6
C. m2 – 9m + 6
D. m2 – 7m + 10
Objective

 Divide polynomials using synthetic division.

 Synthetic Division

 There is a nice shortcut for long division of polynomials when dividing by

divisors of the form x – r.

 This shortcut is called synthetic division.

 Before dividing by synthetic division, write the dividend in descending

order of variable exponents. Any “missing powers” of the variable should
be represented by 0 times the variable raised to the missing power.
x-r

 x – 5 means r = 5

 x + 5 is the same as x –(-5) so, r = -5.

 x + 2 means r = - 2

 x -7 means r = 7.
 Synthetic Division

1) Determine the value of r.

2) Write down the coefficients of the polynomial, making sure to be in descending exponent
form and account for any missing powers with zeros.
3) Draw a line and bring down the first coefficient.
4) Multiply the coefficient by the divisor.
5) Add to the next coefficient.
6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 until there are no more coefficients.
7) The numbers along the bottom are the coefficients of the quotient. Start with the power of x
that is one less than the degree of the dividend. Any remainder is in the form of a fraction
over the divisor.
 Example 1: Use synthetic division to divide
2x3 – x2 – 13x + 1 by x – 3.
To use synthetic division, the divisor must be in the form x – r. Since we are dividing by x – 3, r
is 3. Write down 3 and the coefficients of the dividend.

Solution:

or
Example 2: Synthetic Division
Divide x2 + 5x + 6  x – 1.

Solution:

12
x+6+
x-1 12 is the remainder.
Example 3: Synthetic Division
Divide (x3 – 4x2 + 6x – 4) ÷ (x – 2).

Step 1 Write the terms of the

dividend so that the degrees x3 – 4x2 + 6x – 4
of the terms are in
descending order. Then write    
just the coefficients as 1 –4 6 –4
shown.
Step 2 Write the constant r of
the divisor x – r to the 1 –4 6 –4
left. In this case, r = 2.
Bring the first
coefficient, 1, down as 1
shown.
Example 3 Continued
Divide (x3 – 4x2 + 6x – 4) ÷ (x – 2).

Step 3 Multiply the first

coefficient by r : 1 ● 2 = 2. 1 –4 6 –4
Write the product under
the second coefficient. 2
Then add the product and 1 –2
the second coefficient:
–4 + 2 = –2.
Step 4 Multiply the sum, –2, by 1 –4 6 –4
r : –2 ● 2 = –4. Write the
product under the next 2 –4
coefficient and add: 1 –2 2
6 + (–4) = 2.
Example 3 Continued
Divide (x3 – 4x2 + 6x – 4) ÷ (x – 2).

Step 5 Multiply the sum, 2, by 1 –4 6 –4

r : 2 ● 2 = 4. Write the
product under the next 2 –4 4
coefficient and add: 1 –2 2 0
–4 + 4 = 0. The remainder
is 0.

The numbers along the bottom are the coefficients of

the quotient. Start with the power of x that is one less
than the degree of the dividend.

Answer: The quotient is x2 – 2x + 2.

 Let’s Practice!

 Use synthetic division to divide.

(3x3 – 17x2 + 15x – 25)  (x – 5)
 Let’s Practice!

 Use synthetic division to divide.

Hint: Put in descending exponent order first!
(9x3 – 16x – 18x2 + 32)  (x – 2)
Let’s Practice!

 Use synthetic division to divide.

Hint: Use zeros for place holders!
(x3 + 512)  (x + 8)
 Let’s Practice!

 Use synthetic division to divide.

x4 – 2x3 – 11x2 + 5x + 34 by x + 2
4-3 Exit Ticket

 Please go to today’s folder in Buzz and complete the 4-3 Exit

Ticket for 4 points.
 Homework

 Independent Practice: Page 248 #21-41 odds only

Check your answers in the back of the book

 Graded homework: HW 4-3

Due Thursday 1/6 before class