Dividing one polynomial by another

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around dividing one polynomial, specifically \( \frac{r^3+3r^2+4r-8}{r-1} \), by another. Participants are exploring methods for polynomial division and questioning the generality of the approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants mention polynomial long division and synthetic division as potential methods. There are questions about how many times \( r \) goes into \( r^3 \) and the implications of this division. Some express confusion over the arithmetic involved.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods for polynomial division, with some participants indicating they have found a method. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and uncertainty, with no explicit consensus on a single approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Some posts indicate confusion regarding the arithmetic of polynomials, and there are references to LaTeX formatting issues that may have affected clarity. Participants are also reflecting on the similarities between polynomial and integer arithmetic.

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[tex]\frac{r^3+3r^2+4r-8}{r-1}[/tex]

how do i solve that?

and is there a general formula?

thanks!

Edit by bored Borek: LaTeX corrected.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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ProPatto16 said:
[itex]\frac{r<sup>3</sup>+3r<sup>2</sup>+4r-8}{r-1}[/itex]

how do i solve that?

and is there a general formula?

thanks!

r goes into r3 how many times?
 
There is polynomial long division, which is what sjb-2812 is hinting. Synthetic division is also possible in this problem. Look both of them up.
 
ProPatto16 said:
[itex]\frac{r<sup>3</sup>+3r<sup>2</sup>+4r-8}{r-1}[/itex]

how do i solve that?

and is there a general formula?

thanks!
Fixed your LaTeX. The SUP tags inside the itex tags were causing it to not render correctly, I believe.
[itex]\frac{r^3+3r^2+4r-8}{r-1}[/itex]
 
R goes it's r^3 3 times? r.r.r?

Thanks mark. Wondered why it wasn't working.
 
Found a method. Thanks guys:)
 
ProPatto16 said:
R goes it's r^3 3 times? r.r.r?

Thanks mark. Wondered why it wasn't working.


Not quite. Would you say 10 goes into 1000 3 times (substituting 10 for r)? Glad you seemed to get it sorted though.
 
ProPatto16 said:
Found a method. Thanks guys:)
Excellent! I think it's neat that arithmetic with polynomials is so very similar to arithmetic with integers. And not just the four arithmetic operations -- you also have other things, such as unique factorization into primes. (exercise: work out what precisely that should mean)


The analogy actually runs very, very deep -- you might see more of it if you ever go into algebraic number theory or into algebraic geometry.
 
r goes into r^3 r^2 times.
3 times, what a novice response -.-

all good got the solution
 

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