Homework Section 2.4

Divide using synthetic division.

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
(5x^2 + 6x - 16) \div (x + 4) \\
\end{array}
\][/tex]

Simplify your answer. Do not factor.



Answer :

Sure, let's go through the process of performing synthetic division step-by-step to divide \(5x^2 + 6x - 16\) by \(x + 4\).

Step 1: Identify the coefficients
The polynomial \(5x^2 + 6x - 16\) has coefficients \(5\), \(6\), and \(-16\).

The divisor \(x + 4\) can be rewritten in the form \(x - (-4)\). So, the root we use for synthetic division is \(-4\).

Step 2: Set up the synthetic division
Write the coefficients of the dividend in a row:
[tex]\[ 5, 6, -16 \][/tex]

Write the root used for synthetic division to the left:
[tex]\[ -4 \][/tex]

Step 3: Perform synthetic division
1. Bring down the first coefficient (5) directly below the line:
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{r|rrr} -4 & 5 & 6 & -16 \\ & & & \\ \hline & 5 & & \\ \end{array} \][/tex]

2. Multiply the root (-4) by the value just written (5), and write the result under the next coefficient:
[tex]\[ -4 \times 5 = -20 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{r|rrr} -4 & 5 & 6 & -16 \\ & & -20 & \\ \hline & 5 & -14 & \\ \end{array} \][/tex]

3. Add this result to the next coefficient (6):
[tex]\[ 6 + (-20) = -14 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{r|rrr} -4 & 5 & 6 & -16 \\ & & -20 & 56 \\ \hline & 5 & -14 & 40 \\ \end{array} \][/tex]

4. Multiply the root (-4) by the current value (-14) and write the result under the next coefficient:
[tex]\[ -4 \times -14 = 56 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{r|rrr} -4 & 5 & 6 & -16 \\ & & -20 & 56 \\ \hline & 5 & -14 & 40 \\ \end{array} \][/tex]

5. Add this result to the next coefficient (-16):
[tex]\[ -16 + 56 = 40 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{r|rrr} -4 & 5 & 6 & -16 \\ & & -20 & 56 \\ \hline & 5 & -14 & 40 \\ \end{array} \][/tex]

Step 4: Interpret the results
The final row represents the coefficients of the quotient and the remainder.

- The quotient is formed by the first two numbers: \(5x - 14\).
- The remainder is the last number: \(40\).

Step 5: Write the final answer
The division of \(5x^2 + 6x - 16\) by \(x + 4\) gives:
[tex]\[ 5x^2 + 6x - 16 \div (x + 4) = 5x - 14 \text{ with a remainder of } 40 \][/tex]

So, the final answer simplifies to:
[tex]\[ 5x^2 + 6x - 16 = (x + 4)(5x - 14) + 40 \][/tex]

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