Question

To divide f(x) by (x-3) you would use the number ___ for synthetic division

Answer 1

To divide f(x) by (x-3) using synthetic division, you would use 3 as the divisor.

Step-by-step explanation:

To divide f(x) by (x-3) using synthetic division, you would use the number 3.

Synthetic division is a method used to divide polynomials by binomials of the form (x - c). In this case, c is equal to 3.

Here are the steps to perform synthetic division:

1. Write the coefficients of f(x) in descending order of powers of x.
2. Write the value of c (in this case, 3) outside the division box.
3. Bring down the first coefficient inside the division box.
4. Multiply the value outside the division box (3) by the coefficient brought down and write the result under the next coefficient.
5. Add the number in the second row to the number in the third row, and write the sum under the next coefficient.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all coefficients have been processed.
7. The result is the quotient polynomial obtained from the coefficients in the last row.