SOLUTION: This problem is similar to another one I earlier but the answers are much different: Simplify: (3x^3 - 9x -3)/(3x +3) My answer: x^2 - x

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Question 172768: This problem is similar to another one I earlier but the answers are much different:
Simplify: (3x^3 - 9x -3)/(3x +3)
My answer: x^2 - x - 2, remainder 3
Problem is I have no idea where the x-2 is truly coming from. Is this correct and if so (or not) can someone please show me why?
Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Write it out like a regular long division problem, but remember to put in a place holder for the missing term in your dividend.

Divisor:

Dividend:

goes into times so becomes the first term in your quotient.

times is so write that (with a plus sign in front of it) under the in your dividend. times is so write that under the in your dividend.

Now subtract from (remember: change the sign and add) You should get -- write that at the bottom of your column.

Now bring down the next term from the dividend and write that next to the result of your subtraction in the previous step. You should be looking at

goes into times, so becomes the next term in your quotient.

times is , subtraction results in . Bring down the .

goes into times, so becomes the third term in your quotient.

times = , subtraction results in .

does not go into at all, so is a remainder.

Putting the pieces of the quotient together you get: remainder 3.

Another way to express this would be

SOLUTION: This problem is similar to another one I earlier but the answers are much different: Simplify: (3x^3 - 9x -3)/(3x +3) My answer: x^2 - x - 2, remainder 3 Problem is I have