Polynomial Division

Definition

Polynomial division is the process of dividing one polynomial by another to find the quotient and remainder. It is a fundamental operation in algebra that allows for the factorization and simplification of polynomial expressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polynomial division is used to simplify rational expressions and solve polynomial equations.
2. The process of polynomial division involves using the division algorithm, which is similar to the long division method used for whole numbers.
3. The degree of the remainder is always less than the degree of the divisor, and the remainder can be zero, indicating that the dividend is divisible by the divisor.
4. Polynomial division is a crucial skill for understanding the behavior of polynomial functions and their graphs.
5. Partial fraction decomposition, a technique used to express rational functions as a sum of simpler rational expressions, relies on polynomial division.

Review Questions

• Explain how polynomial division is used to simplify rational expressions.
  • Polynomial division is used to simplify rational expressions by dividing the numerator polynomial by the denominator polynomial. This process allows for the cancellation of common factors between the numerator and denominator, resulting in a simpler, equivalent rational expression. The quotient and remainder obtained from the division can be used to rewrite the original rational expression in a more manageable form.
• Describe the relationship between polynomial division and the factorization of polynomials.
  • Polynomial division is closely related to the factorization of polynomials. By dividing a polynomial by one of its factors, you can determine the other factors of the polynomial. This process is known as the factor theorem, which states that a polynomial $P(x)$ is divisible by $(x - a)$ if and only if $P(a) = 0$. Identifying the factors of a polynomial through division can simplify the expression and provide insights into the behavior of the polynomial function.
• Explain how polynomial division is used in the context of partial fraction decomposition.
  • Partial fraction decomposition is a technique used to express a rational function as a sum of simpler rational expressions. This process relies on polynomial division to decompose the numerator and denominator polynomials. By dividing the numerator polynomial by the denominator polynomial, you can identify the linear factors and repeated factors of the denominator, which are then used to construct the partial fraction expansion. This expansion can be helpful in evaluating integrals, solving differential equations, and understanding the behavior of rational functions.

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 obtained when one polynomial is divided by another, representing the number of times the divisor goes into the dividend.

Remainder: The value that is left over after dividing one polynomial by another, which is always of a lower degree than the divisor.