We all know how to divide two numbers but when it comes to polynomials not many students know how things work in this case. Division of polynomials, known as long division, is a bit complex. Today, we are going to make things simple for you and help you learn the right way to divide polynomials. Start by making sure that the polynomial is written in descending order. Use a zero to fill in the missing term. The next step is to divide the term with the highest power inside the division symbol by the term with the highest power outside the division symbol. Moving on, multiply the obtained term in the previous step by the polynomial in front of the division symbol. Subtract and then bring the next term down and repeat the steps until you get a constant number at the end. Algebra is an important branch of mathematics, and much of its components are used in our daily lives. It is a branch of mathematics where you must deal with variables in addition to numeric values and arithmetic operations. While developing algebraic concepts, you will come across polynomials very frequently. So, what are polynomials? According to Wikipedia, “polynomial is an expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) and coefficients, that involves only the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponentiation of variables.” An example of a polynomial can be 4xy2 + 3x - 5. Now, what if you have to divide polynomials, what will you do? While it may seem as something challenging, sometimes, it is very simple to divide polynomials. It is a case when a polynomial is being divided by a single value, such as a constant or a variable. If you have to divide the polynomial mentioned above with 2; the resulting polynomial will be; 2xy2 + 3/2 x - 5/2. If you have to divide the same polynomial with 4x, the resulting polynomial will be; y2 + 3/4 - 5/4x. While all this was easy, what if, you have to divide this polynomial by an expression x-2. What will you do? You will have to apply long division here; Use the division bracket, place the divisor x-2 in this case at the divisor's position and the polynomial 4xy2 + 3x - 5 in the dividend's position. Now, use the following steps; Step 1: Divide the first term of the numerator by the first term of the denominator and put that in the answer. Step 2: Multiply the denominator by that answer, put that below the numerator Step 3: Subtract to create a new polynomial Step 4: Repeat the first three steps using the reduced polynomial until it is reduced to a minimum.
Most polynomials will be made up of three terms. The order usually follows exponent term, followed by the variable term, followed by the constant. When we dividing one polynomial into another it is best to start by making it appear as a fraction. The numerator is to divided by the value of the denominator. You will often by left with a remainder, when dividing. The remainder value should be placed at the bottom of the polynomial. These worksheets explain how to divide polynomial equations by other polynomials, as well as by monomials. Answers may be polynomials, monomials, single variables, or whole numbers.
