Dividing Polynomials ~ Root/Factor Theroem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding a cubic polynomial P(x) that gives specific remainders when divided by the quadratic polynomials x² - x + 2 and x² + x - 1. The user employs the Root Theorem and Factor Theorem, establishing the polynomial in the form P(x) = Q(x)(D(x)) + R(x), where Q(x) is a linear polynomial. The user correctly identifies that Q(x) must be linear and attempts to equate the two expressions derived from the divisions to solve for the coefficients of P(x).

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Homework Statement



A cubic polynomial gives remainders [tex](5x+4)[/tex] and [tex](12x-1)[/tex] when divided by [tex]x^{2} - x + 2[/tex] and [tex]x^{2} + x - 1[/tex] respectively. Find the polynomial

Homework Equations


:S Well, I am using the root theorem, the factor theorem, and possibly just basics on long division..

We know that:

[tex]\frac{P(x)}{D(x)}=Q(x) + \frac {R(x)}{D(x)}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]P(x)=ax^{3} + bx^{2} + cx + d[/tex] which is our standard for a cubic polynomial.

**Please note I will use Q(x1) and Q(x2) for the tw different quotients of the two divisions.
Then we know that

[tex]\frac {P(x)}{x^{2} - x + 2} = Q (x_{1}) + \frac{5x+4}{x^{2}-x+2}[/tex]

Therefore, our P (x) is the following for the first division.

[tex]P(x)=Q(x_{1})(x^{2} - x + 2) + 5x + 4[/tex]

If we do the same for the next division, we obtain the following (using the same procedure)

[tex]P(x)=Q(x_{2})(x^{2} + x + 1) + 12x - 1[/tex]

I have no idea, I can possibly make them equal each other, and sort of solve:
[tex]Q(x_{2})(x^{2} + x + 1) + 12x - 1=Q(x_{1})(x^{2} - x + 2) + 5x + 4[/tex]

[tex]Q(x_{2})(x^{2} + x + 1) =Q(x_{1})(x^{2} - x + 2) - 7x + 5[/tex]

[tex]Q(x_{2})(x^{2} + x + 1) =Q(x_{1})(x^{2} - x + 2) - 7x + 5[/tex]

...any advice to lead me into the right path, I feel I am going the wrong way.
 
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Q(x) has to be linear. So put Q(x) = px+q, say.

Let the cubic be ax^3 + bx^2 +cx +d
ax^3 + bx^2 +cx +d = (px+q)(x^2 - x + 2) + 5x +4

ax^3 + bx^2 + (c-5)x + (d-4) = (px + q)(x^2 - x + 2)

And similarly for the other one. Then it is solvable by equation like powers yadda yadda yadda.
 

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