#  >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

How Do You Check the Answer After Dividing a Polynomial by a Binomial?

One of the key skills learned in algebra is working with binomials and polynomials, including dividing a polynomial by a binomial. But when your division is complete, how do you know if your answer is correct? Fortunately, there is a simple rule you can use to confirm the accuracy of your work.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify your terms. The divisor is the number by which you divide. In this case, the divisor is your original binomial. The dividend is the polynomial you divided by the divisor. In this case, the dividend is your original polynomial. The quotient is the result of your division, or your answer. The remainder is the amount left over after the division is complete. For example, when you divide 13 (your dividend) by 5 (your divisor), your quotient is 2, and your remainder is also 3. Likewise, if you divide "x² - 7x + 13" (your dividend) by "x - 3" (your divisor), your quotient is "x - 4" with a remainder of 1.

    • 2

      Multiply the divisor by the quotient. In the example, multiplying x - 3 by x - 4 yields x² - 3x - 4x + 12 or, once simplified, x² - 7x + 12.

    • 3

      Add the remainder to the result of the multiplication in the last step. In this case, x² - 7x + 12 + 1 = x² - 7x + 13.

    • 4

      Compare your result to the dividend. If they are the same, your division was correct. If they are the same, as they were here, your division was correct.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved