SOLUTION: Hi, I think this is easy. I just got done doing one, but this one confuses me because of the x^4-2. I'm not sure how to work the x^4. Find the quotient and remainder of f(x)

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Question 16788: Hi,
I think this is easy. I just got done doing one, but this one confuses me because of the x^4-2. I'm not sure how to work the x^4.
Find the quotient and remainder of f(x)=x^4-2 divided by p(x)=x=-1.
I know the remainder will be -1 because -2 minus 1 at the end of the equation. I think the equation should be something like 1 / 1 -2 , but I know I'm missing stuff. Like I said I'm not sure what to do with the x^4. Any help will be much appreciated.
Answer by xcentaur(357) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
f(x)=x^4-2 divided by p(x)=x=-1
Now using synthetic division,

x - 1 | x^4 + 0x^3 + 0x^2 + 0x - 2
+ 1 | 1 0 0 0 -2
| - 1 1 1 1
------------------------------
1 1 1 1 [-1]
As you can see, the remainder you got (-1) is correct.
And the quotient is: (x^3+x^2+x+1)

Mail me if you have any doubts about the synthetic division method.
Hope this helps,
Prabhat