How to use synthetic division?

Question

     I am (obviously) extremely behind my class. If anyone could help it would be joyous! Thank you!

Answer 1

One uses synthetic division in two ways:

1) to find the value of a polynomial, p(c) = the remainder (last number that is produced on the synthetic division process)

2) to divide a polynomial by x-c (you put c in the notch at the far left and the coefficients and constant of each term of the polynomial immediately to the right).  To divide by x+c, you put -c in the notch.

In this case, if the remainder value is 0, you know that x-c is a factor, and all of the numbers just to the left of that remainder are the coefficients (and ending constant) of the DEPRESSED POLYNOMIAL, which has degree one less than the divident polynomial.

 

Read the book.  You can also Google SYNTHETIC DIVISION and find lots of help/examles.