Polynomial Division (OCR A Level Maths: Pure)

What is a polynomial?

• A polynomial is an algebraic expression consisting of a finite number of terms, with non-negative integer indices only

 

What is polynomial division?

• Polynomial division is a method for splitting polynomials into factor pairs (with or without an accompanying remainder term)

• At A level you will most frequently use it to factorise polynomials, or when dealing with improper (ie 'top-heavy') algebraic fractions

How do I divide polynomials?

• The method used for polynomial division is just like the long division method (sometimes called 'bus stop division') used to divide regular numbers:

• At A level you will normally be dividing a polynomial dividend of degree 3 or 4 by a divisor in the form (x ± p)
• The answer to a polynomial division question is built up term by term, working downwards in powers of the variable (usually x)

• Start by dividing by the highest power term
• Write out this multiplied by the divisor and subtract

•  Continue to divide by each reducing power term and subtracting your answer each time

•  Continue until you are left with zero

• If the divisor is not a factor of the polynomial then there will be a remainder term left at the end of the division