1. Dividing Polynomials MATH 017 Intermediate Algebra S. Rook

2. 2 Overview Section 6.4 in the textbook –Dividing by monomials –Dividing by polynomials

3. Dividing by Monomials

4. 4 Recall that a monomial is a polynomial with ONE term When a denominator contains a monomial: –Divide the monomial into each term of the numerator –Simplify using exponent rules –Remember to leave NO negative exponents

5. 5 Dividing by Monomials (Example) Ex 1: Divide

6. 6 Dividing by Monomials (Example) Ex 2: Divide

7. Dividing by Polynomials

8. 8 When the denominator or divisor is something other than a monomial –Must use process of long division Recall that when subtracting polynomials, distribute the negative through the second polynomial Stop when the result of a subtraction has a lower degree than the divisor (polynomial outside) –This is the remainder

9. 9 Dividing by Polynomials (Example) Ex 3: Divide

10. 10 Dividing by Polynomials (Example) Ex 4: Divide

11. 11 Missing Terms in the Dividend When the dividend contains missing terms: –Rewrite the dividend with zeros for the missing terms These zeros serve as placeholders –Proceed as normal

12. 12 Missing Terms in the Dividend (Example) Ex 5: Divide

13. 13 Missing Terms in the Dividend (Example) Ex 6: Divide

14. 14 Summary After studying these slides, you should know how to do the following: –Divide by a monomial –Divide by a polynomial