Difference between revisions of "Remainder Theorem"

m (Theorem)
m (Theorem)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
=Theorem=
 
=Theorem=
The Remainder Theorem states that the remainder when the polynomial <math>P(x)</math> is divided by <math>x-a</math> (usually with synthetic division) is equal to the simplified value of <math>P(a)</math>
+
The Remainder Theorem states that the remainder when the polynomial <math>P(x)</math> is divided by <math>x-a</math> (usually with synthetic division) is equal to the simplified value of <math>P(a)</math>.
  
 
=Examples=
 
=Examples=

Revision as of 15:54, 2 July 2017

Theorem

The Remainder Theorem states that the remainder when the polynomial $P(x)$ is divided by $x-a$ (usually with synthetic division) is equal to the simplified value of $P(a)$.

Examples

Example 1

What is thé reminder in $\frac{x^2+2x+3}{x+1}$?

Solution

Using synthetic or long division we obtain the quotient $1+\frac{2}{x^2+2x+3}$. In this case the remainder is $2$. However, we could've figured that out by evaluating $P(-1)$. Remember, we want the divisor in the form of $x-a$. $x+1=x-(-1)$ so $a=-1$.

$P(-1) = (-1)^2+2(-1)+3 = 1-2+3 = \boxed{2}$

This article is a stub. Help us out by expanding it. hello