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SAT MATH - Remainder and Factor Theorem

The document explains the Remainder and Factor Theorems, which are used in polynomial division to determine remainders and factors. The Remainder Theorem states that if the remainder exists, the divisor is not a factor, while the Factor Theorem indicates that if the remainder is zero, the divisor is a factor. Synthetic substitution is highlighted as an efficient method for evaluating these theorems.

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401 views1 page

SAT MATH - Remainder and Factor Theorem

The document explains the Remainder and Factor Theorems, which are used in polynomial division to determine remainders and factors. The Remainder Theorem states that if the remainder exists, the divisor is not a factor, while the Factor Theorem indicates that if the remainder is zero, the divisor is a factor. Synthetic substitution is highlighted as an efficient method for evaluating these theorems.

Uploaded by

wonjaesong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Advanced Topic: Remainder and Factor Theorem

OBJECTIVE: Understand the benefit of using remainder and factor theorem


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Topics to know before this lesson: Dividing polynomials, long division, synthetic division

1 Remainder Theorem

• Remainder theorem is used when the remainder of polynomial division needs to be calculated.
• If remainder exists in polynomial division, divisor of the division is not a factor of the dividend of the division.
• Using synthetic substitution method of remainder theorem is the fastest method to evaluate remainder of a function.
Definition: Example:
If f (x)÷ g (x) and g(x ) is not a factor of f ( x ) , What is the remainder when f ( x )=x 2 +5 x−1
then f ¿ zero of g(x )¿=¿ remainder is divided by g ( x )=x−2 ?

Textbook Definition: Answer:


If a polynomial f (x) is divided by x−a , then Zero of g ( x )=2 ∴ f ( 2 )=22 +5 ( 2 )−1=13 and
the it means remainder of (x 2 +5 x −1)÷( x−2) is 13
2 Factor Theorem

• Factor theorem is used to determine if the divisor of the polynomial division is a factor of dividend or not.
• If remainder does not exist in polynomial division, divisor of the division is a factor of the dividend of the division.
• When synthetic substitution is applied and if the result of the substitution yields 0, then the divisor is a factor of the dividend.

Definition: Example:
If f (x)÷ g (x) and g(x ) is a factor of f ( x ) , Is x−1 a factor of f ( x )=x 3−2 x + x−1 ?
then f ¿ zero of g(x )¿=¿ 0
Answer:
Textbook Definition:
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If a polynomial f (x) is divided by x−a and
Zero of x−1 is 1 and f ( 1 ) =1 −2 ( 1 )+ 1−1=−1 ,
f ( a )=0 , then x−a is a factor of f (x) f ( 1 ) ≠ 0 ∴ x−1 is not a factor of f (x)

3 Synthetic Substitution and meaning of f ( a )=b

• Under concept of function, f ( a )=b means ( a , b ). When synthetic substitution is applied to any given function f (x) , f ( a )=b
can be understood as polynomial division. For example, f ( 2 )=3 means when f (x) is divided by x−2 , the remainder of the
polynomial division is 3, where f ( x ) represents dividend, 2 is the zero of divisor (x−2), and 3 is the remainder.

4 Conclusion

• Remainder of any polynomial division can be calculated by operating long division or synthetic division. However, prior to find
the remainder, quotient of the division always comes first. Remainder theorem allows to find the remainder of the division by
skipping the process of finding quotient, then remainder.

• After synthetic substitution is applied, if there f ( a )=0 , then x−a is the factor of f (x) and if f (a)≠0 , then x−a is not a
factor of f ( x ) . This summarizes whole concept of factor theorem.

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Related Chapter based on CCSS Glencoe McGrawhill Algebra 2: Chapter 5-2
CCSS stands for Common Core State Standards

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