Dividing Polynomials - Definition, Synthetic Division, Long Division, and Examples
Polynomials are mathematical expressions that comprises of one or more terms, each of which has a variable raised to a power. Dividing polynomials is an essential operation in algebra which includes figuring out the quotient and remainder once one polynomial is divided by another. In this blog article, we will investigate the different methods of dividing polynomials, including synthetic division and long division, and provide examples of how to use them.
We will also discuss the significance of dividing polynomials and its applications in multiple fields of mathematics.
Importance of Dividing Polynomials
Dividing polynomials is an essential operation in algebra that has several applications in many domains of mathematics, consisting of number theory, calculus, and abstract algebra. It is used to work out a broad range of problems, involving finding the roots of polynomial equations, working out limits of functions, and solving differential equations.
In calculus, dividing polynomials is used to work out the derivative of a function, that is the rate of change of the function at any moment. The quotient rule of differentiation consists of dividing two polynomials, that is used to work out the derivative of a function which is the quotient of two polynomials.
In number theory, dividing polynomials is applied to learn the features of prime numbers and to factorize large values into their prime factors. It is further used to learn algebraic structures such as fields and rings, which are basic concepts in abstract algebra.
In abstract algebra, dividing polynomials is utilized to determine polynomial rings, which are algebraic structures which generalize the arithmetic of polynomials. Polynomial rings are applied in many fields of mathematics, comprising of algebraic geometry and algebraic number theory.
Synthetic Division
Synthetic division is a method of dividing polynomials which is applied to divide a polynomial with a linear factor of the form (x - c), where c is a constant. The method 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 involves writing the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, applying the constant as the divisor, and performing a sequence of workings to figure out the remainder and quotient. The outcome is a streamlined structure of the polynomial that is simpler to work with.
Long Division
Long division is a technique of dividing polynomials that is utilized to divide a polynomial with 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) offers uf 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 by the highest degree term of the divisor, and subsequently multiplying the outcome by the whole divisor. The outcome is subtracted from the dividend to obtain the remainder. The procedure is recurring as far as the degree of the remainder is less in comparison to the degree of the divisor.
Examples of Dividing Polynomials
Here are a number of examples of dividing polynomial expressions:
Example 1: Synthetic Division
Let's say we want to divide the polynomial f(x) = 3x^3 + 4x^2 - 5x + 2 by the linear factor (x - 1). We can apply synthetic division to simplify 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. Thus, we can express f(x) as:
f(x) = (x - 1)(3x^2 + 7x + 2) + 4
Example 2: Long Division
Example 2: Long Division
Let's assume we need 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 streamline the expression:
To start with, we divide the highest degree term of the dividend with the highest degree term of the divisor to get:
6x^2
Subsequently, we multiply the total divisor with the quotient term, 6x^2, to get:
6x^4 - 12x^3 + 6x^2
We subtract this from the dividend to attain the new dividend:
6x^4 - 5x^3 + 2x^2 + 9x + 3 - (6x^4 - 12x^3 + 6x^2)
which simplifies to:
7x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x + 3
We recur the process, dividing the highest degree term of the new dividend, 7x^3, with the largest degree term of the divisor, x^2, to achieve:
7x
Next, we multiply the whole divisor with the quotient term, 7x, to achieve:
7x^3 - 14x^2 + 7x
We subtract this from the new dividend to achieve the new dividend:
7x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x + 3 - (7x^3 - 14x^2 + 7x)
which streamline to:
10x^2 + 2x + 3
We recur the procedure again, dividing the largest degree term of the new dividend, 10x^2, with the largest degree term of the divisor, x^2, to get:
10
Subsequently, we multiply the total divisor by the quotient term, 10, to get:
10x^2 - 20x + 10
We subtract this of the new dividend to obtain the remainder:
10x^2 + 2x + 3 - (10x^2 - 20x + 10)
that simplifies to:
13x - 10
Hence, the outcome 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 numerous domains of mathematics. Understanding the various approaches of dividing polynomials, for example long division and synthetic division, could support in solving complicated problems efficiently. Whether you're a learner struggling to understand algebra or a professional operating in a field which consists of polynomial arithmetic, mastering the ideas of dividing polynomials is essential.
If you need support understanding dividing polynomials or any other algebraic concept, think about connecting with us at Grade Potential Tutoring. Our adept tutors are available online or in-person to provide customized and effective tutoring services to help you be successful. Connect with us right now to plan a tutoring session and take your mathematics skills to the next level.
