SOLUTION: The result of dividing x4 - 2x3 + x2 - 3x + 2 by x - 2 is I came up with x3 + x - 1 Is this right?

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: The result of dividing x4 - 2x3 + x2 - 3x + 2 by x - 2 is I came up with x3 + x - 1 Is this right?      Log On


   



Question 90278: The result of dividing x4 - 2x3 + x2 - 3x + 2 by x - 2 is
I came up with x3 + x - 1
Is this right?

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Start with the given polynomial %28x%5E4+-+2x%5E3+%2B+x%5E2+-+3x+%2B+2%29%2F%28x-2%29

First lets find our test zero:

x-2=0 Set the denominator x-2 equal to zero
x=2 Solve for x.

so our test zero is 2


Now set up the synthetic division table by placing the test zero in the upper left corner and placing the coefficients of the numerator to the right of the test zero.
2|1-21-32
|

Start by bringing down the leading coefficient (it is the coefficient with the highest exponent which is 1)
2|1-21-32
|
1

Multiply 2 by 1 and place the product (which is 2) right underneath the second coefficient (which is -2)
2|1-21-32
|2
1

Add 2 and -2 to get 0. Place the sum right underneath 2.
2|1-21-32
|2
10

Multiply 2 by 0 and place the product (which is 0) right underneath the third coefficient (which is 1)
2|1-21-32
|20
10

Add 0 and 1 to get 1. Place the sum right underneath 0.
2|1-21-32
|20
101

Multiply 2 by 1 and place the product (which is 2) right underneath the fourth coefficient (which is -3)
2|1-21-32
|202
101

Add 2 and -3 to get -1. Place the sum right underneath 2.
2|1-21-32
|202
101-1

Multiply 2 by -1 and place the product (which is -2) right underneath the fifth coefficient (which is 2)
2|1-21-32
|202-2
101-1

Add -2 and 2 to get 0. Place the sum right underneath -2.
2|1-21-32
|202-2
101-10

Since the last column adds to zero, we have a remainder of zero. This means x-2 is a factor of x%5E4+-+2x%5E3+%2B+x%5E2+-+3x+%2B+2

Now lets look at the bottom row of coefficients:

The first 4 coefficients (1,0,1,-1) form the quotient

x%5E3+%2B+x+-+1


So %28x%5E4+-+2x%5E3+%2B+x%5E2+-+3x+%2B+2%29%2F%28x-2%29=x%5E3+%2B+x+-+1


So in other words, you are correct.


You can use this online polynomial division calculator to check your work