\(\mathrm{P}(x)=\mathrm{D}(x)\mathrm{Q}(x)+\mathrm{R}(x)\)
\(\mathrm{D}\) is a nonzero polynomial. The remainder is zero or has degree less than \(\mathrm{D}\).
\(\dfrac{\mathrm{P}(x)}{\mathrm{D}(x)}=\mathrm{Q}(x)+\dfrac{\mathrm{R}(x)}{\mathrm{D}(x)}\qquad \mathrm{D}(x)\ne0\)
Arrange terms in descending powers, inserting zero coefficients for missing powers. Divide the leading terms, multiply, subtract and repeat.
Example: divide \(3x^3-4x^2+5x+4\) by \(x^2-3x\)
| Quotient term | Subtract | Remainder |
|---|---|---|
| \(3x\) | \(3x(x^2-3x)\) | \(5x^2+5x+4\) |
| \(5\) | \(5(x^2-3x)\) | \(20x+4\) |
Quotient: \(3x+5\). Remainder: \(20x+4\).
Check: \(3x^3-4x^2+5x+4=(x^2-3x)(3x+5)+(20x+4)\).
The remainder theorem finds only the remainder; use division when the quotient is also needed.
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