Solve Quadratic Equation (x³-4x²+5x-2):(x-1)= x²- 2x-8 | Need Help?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the polynomial division of (x³-4x²+5x-2) by (x-1). Participants clarify that the process of polynomial division is similar to long division with numbers, emphasizing that the leading term of the dividend (x³) divided by the leading term of the divisor (x) yields x². The correct quotient for the division is established as x² - 2x - 8, with detailed steps provided to illustrate the division process. The importance of understanding polynomial division rules is highlighted for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polynomial division
  • Familiarity with algebraic expressions
  • Knowledge of long division techniques
  • Basic proficiency in manipulating algebraic terms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study polynomial long division techniques in detail
  • Practice dividing various polynomials using (x-1) as a divisor
  • Explore the concept of remainders in polynomial division
  • Learn about synthetic division as an alternative method
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators teaching polynomial division, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of algebraic manipulation and polynomial functions.

lion89
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
here is my task: (x³-4x²+5x-2):(x-1)=
We did such task in school but I didn't got it ..

Here is the task that we did in school
(x³-3x²-6x+8) :(x-1)= x²- 2x-8 but I don`t get it why x² is the result and why 3x² ??
Can someone help me? Thank you in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Regular polynomial division is easier than standard long division with pure constants. Your approach should be exactly the same.

Ask this: What is x^3 divided by x ? It is certainly not three times anything. You have no reason for coming to 3*x^2.
 
To expand on symbolipoint's response, suppose you were asked to divide 3524232 by 83. You would start by noting that 8 divides into 35 for times so the first digit of the quotient is (probably) 4. you need the "probably" because the digit after the 8 might cause a problem. But in this case 4*83= 329 and 352- 329= 23, less than 83. So you subtract those and your problem becomes 234232 divided by 81. 8 will divide into 23 twice (3*8= 24 so 3 times doesn't quite fit). 2*83= 163 and 234- 163= 71. You know that the first two digits of the quotient are 42.. and you continue.

x3- 3x2- 6x- 8 divided by x-1 is much the same thing- the "x" just represents a number so all the rules of algebra apply. x divides into x3 x3/x= x2[/sup times so we try x2 as the divisor: x2 times x-1 is x3- x2 and x3- 3x2 minus x3- x2 is -3x2- (-x[sup[2)= -2x2. Of course, the x3 terms cancel- that was the whole point of choosing the divisor to be x2. We now have left -2x2- 6x+ 8 to be divided by x- 1.

x2 will divide into -2x2 -2x times, so we try -2x as the next term in the quotient: -2x times x- 1 is -2x2+ 2x and -2x2- 6x minus -2x2+ 2x is just -6x-(2x)= -8x. We have left -8x+ 8 to be divided by x- 1.

Okay, -8x divided by x is, of course, -8 and -8 times x-1 is -8+ 8, exactly what we had left: x-1 divides into -8x+ 8 exactly -8 times. Putting all of that together, x-1 divides into x3- 3x2+ 6x- 8 exactly x2-2x -8 times.

Now, you try exactly the same thing with x3- 4x2+ 5x- 2 divided by x-1. Warning: even when you are dividing numbers, divisions don't always come out even: 33 divided by 4 is 8 with a remainder of 1 (or 8+ 1/4).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K