Synthetic and Long Division for (9x^4 - x^2 - 6x + 2) / (3x - 1)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around performing polynomial division, specifically using long division or synthetic division on the expression (9x^4 - x^2 - 6x + 2) divided by (3x - 1). Participants are examining the setup and execution of the division process.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts synthetic division and identifies a root at x = 1/3, but questions their process after receiving feedback on their calculations. Other participants suggest corrections to the division setup and emphasize the need to adjust for the divisor.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the steps involved in the division process. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to adjust the division by considering the leading coefficient of the divisor. Multiple interpretations of the division method are being explored, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the proper setup for synthetic division versus long division, particularly in relation to the divisor's leading coefficient. The original poster's use of synthetic division appears to misinterpret the divisor.

flyingpig
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Homework Statement



I apologise that this is not in LaTeX, but i just couldn't find the codes

Use long division or synthetic division: (9x^4 -x^2 - 6x+2) / (3x-1)

The Attempt at a Solution



So the root is x = 1/3

P(1/3) = 0, no remaindar

1/3 | 9 0 -1 -6 2
...|...3 -1 0 -2
___________
...9 -3 0 - 6 4

Where did i go wrong?
 
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What do you do really? If I guess well, the second line should be
3 -1 -6 2.

ehild
 
You should ADD items in the first and second lines.

Don't forget to divide the result by 3.
 
Sammy, why did you leave the physics forum? Come back!
 
Gee, I think I'm still there --- or am I here ??

BTW: I've posted a couple of times in a recent Gauss's Law thread of yours.
 
SammyS said:
Gee, I think I'm still there --- or am I here ??

BTW: I've posted a couple of times in a recent Gauss's Law thread of yours.

If you are talking about this one https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=489350&page=9, I think eveyrone gave up on it already lol. Oh yeah yuo mean my new problem.
 
The problem was to divide [itex]9x^4- x^2- 6x+ 2[/itex] by 3x- 1. Your synthetic division is dividing by x- 1/3. That's why SammyS says you need to also divide by 3.
 

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