Question

How do you find the quotient and remainder if f(x) is divided by p(x)? f(x)=2x^4-x³-3x²+6x-8 ; p(x)=x²-3

Answer 1

I would set up a long division formula

So \[f(x) \div p(x)\]

And work it out logically from there, if you show all your steps it's difficult to go wrong. If you try it, I can confirm your answer with you?

Answer 2

Okay, after I minus 2x^4-3x², do I get x-3x²?

Answer 3

Don't forget you have a 'cubed' part in there too :)

Answer 4

Okay, I'm still a little confused. Once I minus 2x^4-6x², do I get 5x-3x²?

Answer 5

You would be subtracting '2x^4 +0x^3-6x^2' [you have to remember there is a cubed]

So you would get '-x^3 + 3x^2'

Do you understand where that's come from?

Answer 6

Okay. Yes I do! After that I minus x^3 -3x and get x+6x?

Answer 7

then you minus 'x^3 + 0x^2 +3x'

let me know if you don't get it

Answer 8

I got it. My next answer would be 3x^2-9?

Answer 9

yep '3x^2 + 0x -9'

Answer 10

Okay, I understand that the remainder will be 3x+1 but I'm not sure how.

Answer 11

the remainder should be '3x+6', and the quotient should be '2x^2 - x +3'

I need to go out for an hour now, but I will help you understand this as much as I can when I return. Maybe in the mean time, @jim_thompson5910 @Chad123 or @hobbs978 could help?

Answer 12

Okay. Thank you!

Answer 13

you can use wolfram alpha to confirm the answer

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%282x^4-x^3-3x^2%2B6x-8%29%2F%28x^2-3%29

Answer 14

Hi I'm back now (for a short while) have you managed to work it out? :)

Answer 15

Yes I worked it out. Thanks.

Answer 16

Good job! Well done :)