Let P(x) = x^5-3x^4+2x^3-2x^2+3x+1

Given that P(x) can be written in the form (x^2-1)Q(x)+ax+b where Q(x) is a polynomial and a and b are constants, hence or otherwise, find the remainder when P(x) is divided by x^2-1

Question

Let P(x) = x^5-3x^4+2x^3-2x^2+3x+1

Given that P(x) can be written in the form (x^2-1)Q(x)+ax+b where Q(x) is a polynomial and a and b are constants, hence or otherwise, find the remainder when P(x) is divided by x^2-1

anonymous · Answer

can you use long division though?

anonymous · Answer

and I haven't ever divided by x^2-1 only like linear ones such as x+4, x-3 and so on.

precal · Answer

yes will have to since -1 and +1 are not zeroes

anonymous · Answer

ok, can you please show/explain the steps to me? I have never encountered a question where you had to divide a polynomial by x^2 before.

precal · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

yep.

precal · Answer

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