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Expert: - 10/30/2009


Question
(x 3 - 4x 2 + 4x - 1) ÷ (x -1). I'm horrible at math like this :(

Answer

Synthetic Division
Well, maybe I'll change that :( to a :) or a :•) if there is a nose involved.

The problem is x³ - 4x² + 4x - 1) / (x-1).

I'll send the synthetic division, but notice that they both have a 1 in front of the first term.
This means to put a x² on top and subtract off x²*(x-1).
This leaves a -3x², and bring down the 4x.
Now mulitply (x-1) by -3x and get -3x²+3x.  Subtract this from -3x²+4x and get x.
Bring down the -1, giving x-1.  Multiply by (x-1) by 1 and get x-1, subtract it off, and get 0.

The top of what I will send you is 1 -3 1, which corresponds to x²-3x+1, as was shown above.

Between the two you'll understand.

Scott A Wilson

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