Did you know that polynomial division is very much like ordinary arithmetic long division?
Jenn, Founder Calcworkshop®, 15+ Years Experience (Licensed & Certified Teacher)
Yep! It’s true!
The same method for dividing two numbers is what we will use for when we want to divide two polynomials together.
First, we must note that the division of two numbers or polynomials can be expressed as a fraction, where the numerator is called the dividend, and the denominator is called the divisor, as Purple Math accurately states.
Now, by placing the dividend inside what I lovingly refer to as an “L-Box” and the divisor on the outside, we methodically see what number or variable would be needed to make our divisor fit or match our dividend.
Dividing Algebraic Fractions
What is extremely important to note, is that while long division for polynomials works in much the same way as regular long division, there is a bit of a twist.
When you divide polynomials, we must make sure that the terms in each polynomial are arranged in order of decreasing degree in the variable, and that a place-holder of zero is included for any missing term.
Now, this may sound confusing, but I assure you that once you see it in action, you will find that polynomial long division is quite straightforward.
Together we will learn how to do polynomial long division and how to appropriately express our answers as the sum of the quotient and the remainder over the divisor.
Long Division (How-To) – Video
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