Dividing Polynomials
In this lesson, we will look at how to divide polynomials by monomials.
To divide a polynomial by a monomial, each term of the polynomial is divided by the monomial. Be careful with the sign (+ or –) of each term in your answer.
The following diagram shows how to divide a polynomial by a monomial. Scroll down the page for more examples of dividing a polynomial by a monomial.
Example:
Evaluate (x2 + 8x) ÷ x
Solution:
(x2 + 8x) ÷ x
= [x2 ÷ x] + [8x ÷ x]
= x + 8
Example:
Evaluate (4y4 – y3 + 2y2) ÷ (–y2)
Solution:
(4y4– y3 + 2y2) ÷ (–y2)
= [4y4 ÷ –y2] + [– y3 ÷ –y2] + [2y2 ÷ –y2]
= –4y2 + y – 2
You may want to look at the lessons on dividing polynomials by polynomials (also called long division) and synthetic division (a simplified form of long division)
Polynomial Division: Dividing by a Monomial
Explains and shows examples of how to divide a polynomial by a monomial
Dividing Polynomials by Monomials.
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