Question

When using synthetic division to do the following problem, what number should
be used as the divisor?

Answer 1

you want to zero out the denominator ... so if the poly you are dividing by is say: (x-c)

then x-c = 0 when x=c, use c in the synthetic process

Answer 2

Division by 0 is not allowed!

Answer 3

Just sayin, as I see no divisor!

Answer 4

x+4 so it would be -4 for my answer?

Answer 5

i divide by zero all the time :)

-4 yes

Answer 6

the division process assumes that (x+4) is a factor, and that if (x+4) = 0, then the poly is zero as well

Answer 7

thank you. you only do that for synthetic division?

Answer 8

the remainder makes up the difference so its not really a divide by zero application :)

Answer 9

\[\frac{P(x)}{d(x)}=Q(x)+\frac{r(x)}{d(x)}\]
\[d(x)\frac{P(x)}{d(x)}=Q(x)d(x)+d(x)\frac{r(x)}{d(x)}\]
\[P(x)=Q(x)d(x)+r(x)\]
the limit of d(x) to 0 gives us the r(x)

Answer 10

its applicable to synthetic division ... im not sure if you do it ONLY for synthD

Answer 11

@mocham Why not post the "following problem" as an example so it can be discussed.

Answer 12

hmmm here are my options: A. 1
B. -1
C. 4
D. -4
E. None of the above

-4 is in there ....

Answer 13

@mocham your original post states that there is a particular problem , never mind as the question is now closed..