Synthetic Division

Front

What is synthetic division?

Back

A method for dividing a polynomial by a linear binomial of the form (x - c) without using long division.

Front

What is the first step in synthetic division?

Back

Write down the coefficients of the polynomial in descending order.

Front

In synthetic division, what does the left-hand box represent?

Back

The value of 'c' from the divisor (x - c) used in the division.

Front

How do you determine the number of zeros needed in synthetic division?

Back

Count the degree of the polynomial and subtract the number of terms that are present.

Front

What does a remainder of 0 indicate in synthetic division?

Back

It indicates that (x - c) is a factor of the polynomial.

Front

What is the significance of the coefficients in synthetic division?

Back

They represent the terms of the polynomial being divided.

Front

How do you handle missing terms in synthetic division?

Back

Insert a 0 for any missing coefficients in the polynomial.

Front

What is the result of dividing (3x^3 - 2x^2 - 7x + 6) by (x + 1)?

Back

3x^2 - 5x - 2 + 8/(x + 1).

Front

What does f(-2) = -27 tell us in synthetic division?

Back

-27 is the remainder when the polynomial is evaluated at x = -2.

Front

What is the purpose of synthetic division?

Back

To simplify the process of polynomial division, especially for linear divisors.