Learning Objectives
Introduction
In this tutorial we revisit something that you may not have seen since grade school: long division. In this tutorial we are dividing polynomials, but it follows the same steps and thought process as when you apply it numbers. Let's forge ahead.
Tutorial
Divide
Polynomial Monomial
Step 2: Simplify
the fractions.
AND
Step 2: Simplify the fractions.
*Simplify each term
Polynomial Polynomial
Using Long Division
When you write out the dividend, make sure that
you insert 0's for any
missing terms. For example, if you had the polynomial ,
the first term has degree 4, then the next highest degree is 1. It is missing degrees 3 and
2.
So if we were to put it inside a division box, we would write it like
this:
This will allow you to line up like terms when you go through the problem.
Make sure that you line up the first term of the quotient with the term of the dividend that has the same degree.
If you have a remainder, write it over the divisor in your final answer.
We just follow the the same steps 2 - 4 as shown above. Our “new divisor” is the last line 8x + 1.
We just follow the the same steps 2 - 4 as shown above. Our “new divisor” is always going to be the last line that was found in step 4.
AND
AND
Step 4 (repeated): Subtract this from the line above.
2nd term:
3rd term:
4th term:
Practice Problems
To get the most out of these, you should work the problem out on your own and then check your answer by clicking on the link for the answer/discussion for that problem. At the link you will find the answer as well as any steps that went into finding that answer.
Practice Problems 1a - 1c: Divide.
Need Extra Help on these Topics?
The following are webpages
that can assist
you in the topics that were covered on this page:
http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/factor/fac01/fac01.html
This webpage will help you with long division.
Go to Get Help Outside the Classroom found in Tutorial 1: How to Succeed in a Math Class for some more suggestions.
Last revised on July 17, 2011 by Kim Seward.
All contents copyright (C) 2001 - 2011, WTAMU and Kim Seward. All rights reserved.