| 
 
 
| 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
 
 | 
  
 | 
 |