Question

How can long division be used to find zeros of polynomial functions?
@Zale101
@Data_LG2

Answer 1

I really don't understand how to find the roots using this method.

Answer 2

you can test the roots using long division :
if the remainder is 0 when you divide `x-a` by `f(x)`, then `a` is a zero of `f(x)`

Answer 3

After finding or given a first factor, divide the polynomial P(x) by the factor (remainder must be zero). The quotient yields the other factors.

Answer 4

do you have a specific example / problem that you're working on ?

Answer 5

No not at the moment but I need to learn how to do this before my EOC. Thanks you guys! :)

Answer 6

it is very much like finding the divisors of an integer

If I know that 2 divides 16, then I know that 16/2=8 divides 16

Answer 7

let me cookup an example for you to try :)

consider a polynomial `x^3-2x^2-x+2=0`
if `1` is a one zero of this polynomial, find the remaining zeroes.

Answer 8

try it when free ^

Answer 9

Interesting, gimme a sec because I did something and my answer looks off :P

I got -1 as my next root.

Answer 10

Yes! how did you get -1 ha ? did you use long division

Answer 11

To be honest no. I just factored. :/

Do you get the same results as dividing, because I don't get how I divide a function.