Polynomial Division

Definition

Polynomial division is a mathematical operation that involves dividing a polynomial by another polynomial, similar to how integers are divided. The goal of polynomial division is to find the quotient and the remainder when one polynomial is divided by another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polynomial division is a key technique used in the process of finding partial fractions, which is a method for expressing a rational function as a sum of simpler rational functions.
2. The polynomial division algorithm involves repeatedly dividing the dividend by the divisor, and keeping track of the quotient and the remainder.
3. The degree of the remainder is always less than the degree of the divisor, and the degree of the quotient is equal to the degree of the dividend minus the degree of the divisor.
4. Polynomial division is a useful tool in various areas of mathematics, such as solving differential equations, finding the greatest common divisor of polynomials, and simplifying rational expressions.
5. The remainder theorem states that if a polynomial $P(x)$ is divided by $(x - a)$, the remainder is $P(a)$.

Review Questions

• Explain how polynomial division is used in the context of partial fractions.
  • Polynomial division is a crucial technique in the process of finding partial fractions. When expressing a rational function as a sum of simpler rational functions, polynomial division is used to decompose the numerator and denominator polynomials. By dividing the numerator polynomial by the factors of the denominator polynomial, the partial fraction expansion can be obtained, which is a fundamental step in the partial fractions method.
• Describe the polynomial division algorithm and its key properties.
  • The polynomial division algorithm involves repeatedly dividing the dividend polynomial by the divisor polynomial, keeping track of the quotient and the remainder. The degree of the remainder is always less than the degree of the divisor, and the degree of the quotient is equal to the degree of the dividend minus the degree of the divisor. These properties ensure that the division process can be carried out systematically and that the resulting quotient and remainder have specific relationships to the original polynomials.
• Analyze the connection between polynomial division and the remainder theorem, and explain how this relationship can be applied in the context of partial fractions.
  • The remainder theorem states that if a polynomial $P(x)$ is divided by $(x - a)$, the remainder is $P(a)$. This theorem is particularly useful in the context of partial fractions, as it allows us to determine the coefficients of the partial fraction expansion by evaluating the numerator polynomial at the roots of the denominator polynomial. By applying the remainder theorem, we can simplify the process of finding the partial fraction expansion, which is a key step in the partial fractions method.

Related terms

Polynomial: A polynomial is an algebraic expression consisting of variables and coefficients, where the variables are raised to non-negative integer powers.

Quotient: The result of dividing one polynomial by another, representing the number of times the divisor goes into the dividend.

Remainder: The part of the dividend that is left over after the division process, which is always of a lower degree than the divisor.