5C.2 - Synthetic division

Synthetic division

Synthetic division can be used to divide polynomials in order to find the factorised form.

• Note: When the divisor is a linear term with the coefficient of x not equal to 1, you must divide all of the coefficients in the quotient by the coefficient of x. However, you do not divide the remainder (see 5C.2 - Video Example 3)!

5C.2 - VIDEO EXAMPLE 1:

Using long division, divide x² + 7x +12 by x + 3.

5C.2 - VIDEO EXAMPLE 2:

Using long division, divide 2x³ + 12x² + 12x - 8 by x + 2.

5C.2 - VIDEO EXAMPLE 3:

Using long division, divide 4x³ + 10x² - 6x - 1 by 2x + 1.