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Remainder Theorem

Dividing polynomials can be a tricky process. The remainder theorem allows us to quickly find the remainder of a polynomial when it is divided by a binomial.

Division

Division

  • A given polynomial can be decomposed into a quotient, divisor and remainder as follows:
    • f(x)=q(x)(xc)+rf(x) = q(x)(x-c) + r
  • Where f(x)f(x) is the polynomial, q(x)q(x) is the quotient, xcx-c is the divisor and rr is the remainder.
Division

Division

  • When evaluated for the value cc, this decomposition can be written as:
    • f(c)=q(c)(cc)+r=rf(c) = q(c)(c-c) + r = r.
  • This leads us to the remainder theorem.
Remainder theorem

Remainder theorem

  • If the polynomial function f(x)f(x) is divided by xcx-c, then the remainder is f(c)f(c).
  • We can use this to find the remainder of polynomials for given devisors without actually having to do the division!
  • f(c)=0f(c) = 0 if and only if xcx-c is a factor of f(x)f(x).
Jump to other topics
1

Proof

2

Algebra & Functions

2.1

Powers & Roots

2.2

Quadratic Equations

2.3

Inequalities

2.4

Polynomials

2.5

Graphs

2.6

Functions

2.7

Transformation of Graphs

2.8

Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3

Coordinate Geometry

4

Sequences & Series

5

Trigonometry

6

Exponentials & Logarithms

7

Differentiation

8

Integration

9

Numerical Methods

10

Vectors

Practice questions on Remainder Theorem

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