What is the remainder when (x3 − 4x2 − 12x + 9) is divided by (x + 2)?

Question

anonymous · Answer

- 2
- 6
- 9
- 12

anonymous · Answer

sorry idk the answer but i just wanted to say i love your profile pic

anonymous · Answer

So Off topic

mathmale · Answer

Among the several methods you could use to find the answer here, are synthetic division and long division.  With which would you prefer to begin?

anonymous · Answer

Which is easier to understand?

mathmale · Answer

Actually, I'm asking you which one you understand better.

anonymous · Answer

Long division I guess.

mathmale · Answer

Use the Draw utility if possible.  Set up long division like this:

(x3 − 4x2 − 12x + 9) is divided by (x + 2|dw:1449257088419:dw|

mathmale · Answer

|dw:1449257152778:dw|

anonymous · Answer

I forget how to do this. Can you remind me how? I'm not asking for the answer; just a bit of a refresher.

mathmale · Answer

What is the value of $$\frac{ x^3 }{ x }?  Hint:  identify. and. then. subtract. exponents.$$

anonymous · Answer

So... x^2?

mathmale · Answer

yes.

anonymous · Answer

Okay cool. I'm starting to remember a bit.

mathmale · Answer

|dw:1449257323926:dw|

anonymous · Answer

x^3+4?

mathmale · Answer

Your x^3 is fine.  The 4 is not.  What is the product of x^2 and x+2?

anonymous · Answer

ohhhhhh I multiplied 2 by 2 for some reason. x^3+2x?

anonymous · Answer

I wish I had my notes!! I feel so stupid right now.

anonymous · Answer

omg you left

anonymous · Answer

fine. for anyone here in the future, the answer is 9.

mathmale · Answer

What is the product of x^2 and x+2?     x^2 times x is x^3; x^2 times 2 is what?  Try again.  Pretty please, do NOT share answers (as you have done with 9).

mathmale · Answer

I'm sorry to have stepped out temporarily.  I see you're now working on a different problem.  If y ou wish, message me if and when you want to continue with me on this discussion.  But I will be away for the next few hours.