Problem with a product of 2 remainders (polynomials)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a polynomial P(x) and its remainders when divided by linear factors (x-2) and (x+3). The original poster seeks to find the remainder when P(x) is divided by the product (x-2)(x+3), utilizing the remainder theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the remainder theorem to establish equations based on given remainders. There is an exploration of relationships between the polynomial and its factors, as well as attempts to derive a useful form for the remainder V(x).

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested that V(x) must be a linear polynomial of the form ax + b, and they have identified specific values for V(2) and V(-3) based on the original equations. The conversation indicates a productive direction towards solving for the coefficients a and b.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the polynomial P(x) can be expressed in terms of its remainders and that the remainder V(x) is of lower degree than the divisor (x-2)(x+3). The discussion also touches on the potential relevance of the Chinese remainder theorem, although its application has not been fully explored.

another_dude
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Polynomial P(x) when divided by (x-2) gives a remainder of 10. Same polynomial when divided by (x+3) gives a remainder of 5. Find the remainder the polynomial gives when divided by (x-2)(x+3).

2. Homework Equations

Polynomial division, remainder theorem

The Attempt at a Solution


From the problem and the remainder theorem I got 2 equations:
1) P(2)=10 and 2) P(-3)=5
More generally, we get this: P(x)=(x-2)D(x)+10=(x+3)F(x)+5 , where D(x), F(x) some polynomials one rank lower than P(x).

Tried multiplicating, dividing and adding the equations in different ways but couldn't get a useful relation, namely P(x)=(x-2)(x+3)G(x)+ V(x), where V(x) is the wanted remainder. Any thoughts?
 
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another_dude said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
Polynomial P(x) when divided by (x-2) gives a remainder of 10. Same polynomial when divided by (x+3) gives a remainder of 5. Find the remainder the polynomial gives when divided by (x-2)(x+3).

2. Homework Equations

Polynomial division, remainder theorem

The Attempt at a Solution


From the problem and the remainder theorem I got 2 equations:
1) P(2)=10 and 2) P(-3)=5
More generally, we get this: P(x)=(x-2)D(x)+10=(x+3)F(x)+5 , where D(x), F(x) some polynomials one rank lower than P(x).

Tried multiplicating, dividing and adding the equations in different ways but couldn't get a useful relation, namely P(x)=(x-2)(x+3)G(x)+ V(x), where V(x) is the wanted remainder. Any thoughts?
Do you know the Chinese remainder theorem?
 
Never heard of it before.
 
another_dude said:
Tried multiplicating, dividing and adding the equations in different ways but couldn't get a useful relation, namely P(x)=(x-2)(x+3)G(x)+ V(x), where V(x) is the wanted remainder. Any thoughts?

##V(x)## must have the form ##ax+b##, right? What are ##V(2)## and ##V(-3)##?
 
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Oh right, didn't think of that actually. Well, from the remainder theorem we get 1) V(2)=P(2)=10 2) V(-3)=P(-3)=5 . Then you solve the system for a and b. Thanks!
 

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