(Effective Alternative Secondary Education)

MATHEMATICS IV

Module 1

Polynomial Functions
BUREAU OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
Department of Education
DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue,Pasig City

Module 1
Polynomial Functions
What this module is about
This module is about polynomial functions. In the previous lessons you
have learned about linear and quadratic functions. These two belong to the
family of polynomials but whose degrees are 1 and 2. In this module, you will
learn about functions of degree greater than 2.

What you are expected to learn

This module is designed for you to:
1. identify a polynomial function from a given set of relations,
2. determine the degree of a given polynomial function,
3. find the quotient of polynomials by,

algorithm
synthetic division

4. State and illustrate the Remainder Theorem

5. Find the value of p(x) for x = k by:

synthetic division
Remainder Theorem

6. Illustrate the Factor Theorem

How much do you know

Answer the following:
1. One of the following is not a polynomial function. Which is it?
a. f(x) = 4x3 + 3x2 + 4x 12
b. f(c) = x3 - 6x2 + 12x + 4

c. p(x) = x-4 + 8x3 x2 + 2x + 8

d. f(x) = 7x5 9x3 + 5x 2

2. What is the degree of the polynomial function f(x) = 2x4 + 3x3 x2 + 5x 4?

3. Find the quotient and the remainder if y = 3x 4 x3 + 6x2- 11x + 6 is divided
by 3x-1.
4. If f(x) = x3 + 3x2 + 10x + 5,what will be the value of f(x) at x = 3?
5. What will be the value of k such that x 1 is a factor of x 3 3x + k?
6. What must be the value of k such that 3 is the remainder when f(x) = x 3 +
4x2 kx (x -1)?
7. What is the remainder when f(x)= x5 2x4 + 3x3 2x2 x + 2 is divided by
x+ 1?
8. Which of the following binomial is a factor of 2x3 + 5x2 10x 16?
a. x 2
c. x - 1
b. x + 2
d. x + 1
9. If f(x) = 2x4 x3 3x2 + x 5 , what will be the value of f(x) at x = -3?
10. What must be the value of k so that x+ 1 is a factor of f(x) = 3x 3 + kx2 - x
2?

What you will do

Lesson 1

Identify and Determine the Degree of the Polynomial Function

from a Given Set of Relations
A function defined by p(x) = a nxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + + a1x + a0 where n
is a positive integer a n, an-1, an-2 , a0 are real numbers, and a n = 0.The exponent n
denotes the degree of the polynomial function.
The functions,
p(x) = 3x + 4 is of degree 1.
p(x) = 4x2 + 15x + 10 is of degree 2.
In this lesson, you will study about polynomial functions of degree greater
than 2. Remember that there are restrictions to be considered to determine if it is
a relation which is a polynomial function. Looking back at the definition, the
exponent should be positive or the value of n > 0.
Examples:
1.

f(x) = x3 3x2 + 4x 12

Polynomial of degree 3

2.

p(x) = x4 4x3 13x2 + 3x + 18

Polynomial of degree 4

3.

f(x) = x-3 + 4x2 + 2x + 1

Not a polynomial. There is

a
negative exponent or n < 0.
1
4. f(x) = 4x5 2x3 + 5x
x

Not a polynomial. There is a

variable x in the denominator.

Try this out

A. Tell whether the following is a polynomial function or not.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

f(x) = 4x3 + 3x2 + 4x 12

p(x) = x-4 + 8x3 x2 + 2x + 8
f(x) = x3 - 6x2 + 12x + 4
f(x) = 7x5 9x3 + 5x 2
p(x) = 2x-3 + 3x2 + 5x 3

6.

p(x) = x2 + 3x + 1+

7.

f(x) = x3 + 13

8.

p(x) = 5x - 6 + 2

9.
10.

f(x) = 2 x4 + x
f(x) = 2x4 + 3x3 + 2x + 1

5
x

7
x2

B. Determine the degree of the polynomial function.

1. p(x) = x4 + 2x3 + 2x + 1
2. f(x) = x5 x4 + 2x3 - 3x2 + 4x 12
3. p(x) = x6 + 5x5 6x4 + 8x3 + 4x2 - 3x + 1
4. f(x) = x3 + 6x2 + 3x + 9
5. p(x) = x8 + 4x4 + 2x2 + 1
6. p(x) = 16x5 - 6
7. f(x) = -2x + x2 - 5 - 2x3
8. p(x) = .10x2 + 5x3 2
9. f(x) = 7x - 2x4 + 1
10. p(x) = x6 + 5x3 - 6

Lesson 2
Find the Quotient of Polynomials by Division Algorithm
Division algorithm is the division process that you are familiar with.
Dividing polynomials are the same as dividing numbers.
All you have to do is to follow the steps in dividing a polynomial by another
polynomial as illustrated in the example below.
Example: Divide:
Steps

1. ( x2 + 3x3 - 8x + 5) by (x + 2)
(3x3 - x2 - 8x + 5) by (x + 2)

1.

Arrange the terms of the dividend

and divisor according to degree.

3x2
x + 2 3x3 - x2 - 8x + 5

2.

Divide the first term of the

dividend by the first term of the divisor
to get the first term of the quotient.

3x2
x + 2 3x3 - x2 - 8x + 5
3x3 + 6x2

3.

Multiply the result in step 2 by the

divisor.

3x2 -7x
x + 2 3x3 - x2 - 8x + 5
3x3 + 6x2
- 7x2 - 8x

4.

Subtract the result from step 3.

Bring down the next term of the
dividend.

3x2 - 7x + 6
x + 2 3x3 x2 - 8x + 5

5.

Repeat the entire process using

the result in step 4 as the new
dividend.

6.

Express the result as:

dividend = quotient + remainder

3x3 + 6x2
- 7x2 - 8x
- 7x2 -14x
6x + 5
6x +12
-7
3x3 x2 - 8x + 5 = 3x2 7x + 6 + -7
x+2
x+2
The quotient of x2 + 3x3 - 8x + 5 by x + 2 is 3x2 7x + 6 and the
remainder is -7.
Check by multiplying the quotient to the divisor. Do not forget to add the
remainder.
2. (x3 13x + 12) by (x + 4)
x2
x + 4 x + 0x2 - 13x + 12
3

x2
x + 4 x + 0x2 - 13x + 12
x3 + 4x2

Notice the absence of an x2 term in the

dividend.
Add a 0x2 term to the dividend.
Follow the steps in the first example.

x2 - 4x
x + 4 x + 0x2 - 13x + 12
x3 + 4x2
- 4x2 - 13x
3

Do not forget to change the sign of the

subtrahend when subtracting.

x2 - 4x + 3
x + 4 x + 0x2 - 13x + 12
x3 + 4x2
- 4x2 -13x
- 4x2 -16x
3x +12
3x +12
0
3

x3 13x + 12

= x2 - 4x + 3

x+4
The quotient is x2 - 4x + 3.

Try this out

Find the quotient by dividing the polynomials using division algorithm:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

(3x3 x2 - 8x + 5) (x + 2)
(4x2 +15x + 10) (x 2)
(x3 - 2x2 + 6x + 3) (x 3)
(x3 - 5x2 - 9x + 3) (x 4)
(2x5 + 4x4 + 8x - 1 (x + 2)
x4 - 3x + 5) (x + 3)
(x3 - 2x2 + 4) (x 3)
(-10x + 2x4 - 5x3 + 8) (x 3)
(x3 + 3x - 4x2 - 12) (x 4)
(x5 + 32) (x + 2)

Lesson 3
Find by Synthetic Division the Quotient and the Remainder
When P(x) is Divided by (x - c)
Another method of dividing polynomials which has a very short and simple
procedure is called synthetic division. Unlike the usual division which involves
the four fundamental operations, this method requires only addition and
multiplication applied to the coefficients. This method is applied when the divisor
is of the form x - c.
Steps to follow in dividing by synthetic division:
1.

Arrange the terms of the dividend in descending order of

exponent.

2.

Write the numerical coefficient in a row, with 0 representing any

missing term.

3.

Write the constant term c of the divisor x - c at the left hand side of
the coefficient.

4.

Bring down the leading coefficient of the dividend. Multiply it by c

and add to the second column.

5.

Multiply the sum obtained in step 4 by c and add to the 3 rd

column. Repeat this process until you reach the last column.

6.

The 3rd rows of numbers are numerical coefficient of the quotient.

The degree is one less than that of the dividend. The right member is
the remainder.

Examples:
Find the quotient and the remainder using the steps in synthetic division.
Write your answer in the form P(x) = Q(x)D(x) + R where, P(x) is the dividend,
Q(x) is the quotient, Q(x) is the divisor, and R is the remainder.
1. P(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x 2 by x 3
1
3
1

4
3
7

3
21
24

-2
72
70

x=3

Since Q(x) = x2 + 7x + 24 and R = 70, then

P(x) = (x2 + 7x + 24) (x - 3) + 70

in the form P(x) = Q(x)D(x) + R

2. P(x) = 3x 4 2x3 + 5x 2 4x 2 by 3x + 1
3x 4 2x3 + 5x 2 4x 2 ;
3
1 -

1
3

2
3
1
3

1 -1

5
4
3
3
1
3

-2

2
3
2
3

x+1
3

x=-

Divide both divisor and

dividend by 3 then follow
steps in synthetic division.
1
3

2
3

Q(x) = (x3 - x2 + 2x 2 ) and R = 0

Therefore: P(x) = (x3 - x2 + 2x 2 ) ( x + 1/3) + 0
3. P(x) = 2x4 18x2 7 x3 by x 3
P(x) = 2x4 x3 18x2 + 0x 7
2 - 1 - 18 0
-7
3
6
15 -9 -27
2 5 -3 -9 -34
Q(x) = 2x3 + 5x2 3x 9 and R = 34
Therefore: P(x) = (2x3 + 5x2 3x 9) ( x 3) -34

Arrange exponent in
descending order and
represent the missing
term by 0

Try this out

A. Use synthetic division to divide the given polynomial P(x) by the given
polynomial x c. Write your answer in the form P(x) = Q(x) (x-c) + R
1. P(x) = 4x6 + 21x5 26x3 + 27x
2. P(x) = x5 3x4 + 4x + 5
3. P(x) = 2x3 4x2 5x +3
4. P(x) = x5 + 5x3 3x + 7
5. P(x) = x4 8
6. P(x) = 2x3 + 11x + 12
7. P(x) = 2x3 3x2 + 3x 4
8. P(x) = x5 + 32
9. P(x) = 2x4 5x3 10x + 8
10. P(x) = 6x3 19x2 + x + 6

x+5
x2
x+3
x2
x2
x+4
x2
x+2
x3
x3

B. Find the quotient and the remainder by synthetic division of the polynomial
P(x) for the given polynomial x - c. Write your answer in the form P(x) = Q(x)
D(x) + R
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

P(x) = 4x4 + 12x3 + 9x2 8x 5

P(x) = 15x3 19x2 + 24x 12
P(x) = -9x4 + 9x3 26x2 + 26x 8
P(x) = 3x4 x3 + 6x2 11x + 6
P(x) = 2x3 5x2 + 6x + 1
P(x) = 2x4 x3 + 4x2 12x + 3
P(x) = 2x3 9x2 + 10x 3

2x + 1
3x 2
3x - 1
3x 1
2x 1
2x 1
2x 1
2
3
1
x
2

8. P(x) = 6x3 2x2 x 1

x +

9. P(x) = 4x4 5x2 + 1

10. P(x) = 2x3 + x2 + 12

x+2

Lesson 4
State and illustrate the Remainder Theorem
In the two previous division processes illustrated, a remainder was noted
when the polynomial is not exactly divisible by another polynomial. Youll get a
zero remainder when a polynomial is exactly divisible by another.

By substituting the value of (c) of the divisor x c in the polynomial P(x),

you can also test whether a certain polynomial is exactly divisible by another or is
a factor by the Remainder Theorem.
The Remainder Theorem states that P(c) is the remainder when the
polynomial p(x) is divided by (x c). The divisor x c is then restated as x = c.
Examples:
1. Find the remainder using the remainder theorem if P(x) = x 3 + 4x2 + 3x 2
is divided by x 3.
Solution:

Instead of using synthetic division, it is easier to solve by

substitution.

P(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x 2; x = 3
P(3) = (3) + 4(3) 2 + 3(3) 2
Substitute 3 for x.
= 27 + 36 + 9 2
P(3) = 70 the remainder
Hence, the polynomial P(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x 2 is not exactly divisible by x
3.
2. Find the value of P(x) using the remainder theorem if P(x) = x 4 + 3x3 + 5x2
+ 5x - 2 is divided by x + 2.
Solution:
P(x) = x4 + 3x3 + 5x2 + 5x - 2 ; x = -2
P(-2) = (-2) 4 + 3(-2) 3 + 5(-2) 2 + 5(-2) -2
= 16 - 24 + 20 - 10 - 2
P(-2) = 0 the remainder

Substitute -2 for x.

Hence P(x) = x4 + 3x3 + 5x2 + 5x - 2 is exactly divisible by x + 2.

You can also solve an equation using the Remainder Theorem. In the next
example, the polynomial P(x) is equated to the remainder to solve for the value of
k, the numerical coefficient of the x term.
Example:
Find the value of k when polynomial 3x 2 + kx + 4 is divided by x 1 and the
remainder is 2.
Solution:
3x2 + kx + 4 = 2

The polynomial is equal to the remainder 2.

10

3(1) 2 + k(1) + 4 = 2
3+ k + 4 = 2
k=27
k = -5

Substitute 1 for x, then solve for k.

Check by synthetic division

3x2 - 5x + 4
3
1
3

-5
3
-2

4
-2
2

Substitute k by 5 in the original expression,

3x2 - kx + 4.
remainder

Try this out

A.

Find the remainder when P(x) is divided by x c using the remainder

theorem.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

P(x) = (x3 7x2 + x + 10)

P(x) = (x4 + 10x3 - 8x 80)
P(x) = (x5 + 2x4 3x3 + 4x2 - 5x + 2)
P(x) = (x3 + 3x2 + 10x + 5)
P(x) = (x3 + 125)
P(x) = (x3 - 4x2 3x + 18)
P(x) = (x5 + 5x3 - 3x + 7)
P(x) = (x5 + 5x3 - 3x + 7)
P(x) = (x59 + 3x35 5x7 + 9x + 8)
P(x) = (x99 - 2x81 + 3x5 5)

x2
x + 10
x1
x3
x+5
x+2
x2
x+2
x1
x+1

B. Find the remainder when a polynomial is divided by x - c using the remainder

theorem.
1. (-x3 + 5x2 10x + 3) (x 4)
2. (-x + 2x3 3x + 3) (x + 2)
3. (-2x3 + 3x2 3x + 5) ( x + 1)
4. (-9x + 2x3 20) (x + 2)
5. (-3x 15x3 + 4x4 + 20) (x 3)
6. (-5x3 12x2 + 10x 6) (x + 3)
7. (-x3 + 6x2 10x + 8) ( x 4)
8. (-x4 3x3 2x2 + 12x + 72) ( x + 6)
9. (-2x4 9x3 + 14x2 + 68) ( x 2)
10. (-5x5 3x4 + 4x + 5) (x 1)
C. Find the value of the following function using the remainder theorem.
11

1. p(x) = 2x3 - 5x2 + 3x -7

x = -3
2. p(x) = 5x3 + 7x2 + 8
x = -2
3. p(x) = 4x4 + 5x3 + 8x2
x=4
4. p(x) = 3x3 - 7x2 + 5x 2
x = -2
5. p(x) = 4x3 + 2x + 10
x = -3
6. p(x) = 5x4 + 6x3 + 10x2
x=5
7. p(X) = 6x2 + 3x 9
x=1
8. p(x) = 2x3 + 4x2 5x + 9
x = -3
9. p(x) = 2x4 - 9x3 + 14x2 8
x=2
10. p(x) = 2x4 - 9x3 + 14x2 8
x = -2
D. Given a condition, determine the value of k.
When kx3 x2 + 2x 30 is divided by (x 2), the remainder is 2.
When 8x3 4x2 7x + k is divided by (x 1), the remainder is 5.
When x5 + x4 4x3 4x2 8x + k is divided by x 2, the remainder is

1.
2.
3.
0.
4.
5.

When kx2 x + 3 divided by x + 1, the remainder is 5.

When 6x2 = 4x + k divided by x + 3, the remainder is 2.

Lesson 5
Find the Value of P(x) for x = c by Synthetic Division
and the Remainder Theorem

12

The synthetic division and remainder theorem are two ways used to find
the value of P(x). You have seen in the previous lessons that the last value
obtained in synthetic division is equal to the value of the remainder. Now, how is
this related to the remainder theorem.
Lets find out by comparing the two processes.
Examples:
1. Use synthetic division and remainder theorem to find the value of P(x) = x 4
2x3 x2 15x + 2 at x =12
Solution:
a. By synthetic division:
1

-2
12

-1
-15
120 1428

10

119

12

2
16956

1413 16958

the remainder

b. by remainder theorem:
P(12) = x4 2x3 x2 15x + 2
= (12) 4 2(12) 3 (12) 2 15(12) + 2
= 20,736 3456 144 180 + 2
P(12) = 16,958
Notice that the same value was obtained for the two processes. We can
now say that P(x) = R, and P(12) = 16,958.
2. Use synthetic division and remainder theorem to find the value of P(x) =
2x3 + 8x2 + 13x 10 if x = -3
Solution:
a. by synthetic division:
2

8
-6

13
-6

-10
-21

-31

-3

the remainder

P(-3) = -31

13

b. by remainder theorem:
P(-3) = 2 x3 + 8x2 + 13x 10
= 2 (-3) 3 + 8(-3) 2 + 13(-3) 10
= -54 + 72 - 39 -10
P(-3) = -31, the remainder
Again, notice that the value obtained using synthetic division and
remainder theorem yield the same value for P(-3).

Try this out

A. Find the value of the P(x) for the given x using synthetic division and
remainder theorem.
1. P(x) = x3 4x2 + 2x 6
2. P(x) = x5 3x2 20
3. P(x) = 2x3 + 3x2 x 79
4. P(x) = x3 8x2 + 2x + 5
5. P(x) = x4 + x3 + x2 + x + 1
6. P(x) = 3x4 + 8x2 1
7. P(x) = 6x3 + 9x2 6x + 2
8. P(x) = x4 2x3 + 4x2 + 6x 8
9. P(x) = 4x4 + 3x3 2x2 + x + 1
10. P(x) = 2x3 + 8x2 3x 1

x=4
x=2
x=9
x=3
x=4
x = -4
x=2
x=3
x = -1
x = -2

B. Using synthetic division or remainder theorem, find the value of the polynomial
for the given value of x.
1. x4 - 2x2 - x 6
2. x4 - 4x3 + 3x2 + 12
3. -x4 - x3 + x 5
4. x3 - x2 - x - 5
5. x5 - 6x3 - x 7
6. x6 - x5 - x4 - x 3
7. 4x5 - 3x + 122
8. x5 - 4x3 - 3x 2
9. x3 - 2x2 - 5x 6
10. 2x2 - 19x + 35

x=2
x = -3
x=1
x= 1
x = -2
x=2
x = -2
x=3
x = -1
x=7

C. Using synthetic division or remainder theorem, find the value of y for the
given x.
1. y = 6x3 - 17x2 + 14x + 8 ,

x=

14

1
3

1
2
1
x=4
1
x=2
1
x =
4

2. y = 8x3 - 14x2 - 5x 1

x =

3. y = 64x3 + 1
4. y = 6x4 - 3x2 + 1
5. y = 4x4 + 2x2 + 1

Lesson 6
Illustrate the Factor Theorem
In your experience with numbers, you obtain a remainder of zero when a
number is exactly divisible by another number. We can say that the divisor is a
factor of the dividend in that case. Same is true with polynomials.
A zero remainder obtained when applied using the Remainder Theorem
will give rise to another theorem called the factor theorem. This is a test to find if
a polynomial is a factor of another polynomial.
The Factor Theorem states:
Let P(x) be a polynomial. If c is a zero of P that is P(c) = 0, then (x - c) is
a factor of P(x). Conversely, if (x - c) is a factor of P(x) then, c is a zero of P.
Simply, if zero is obtained as a remainder when c is substituted to the
polynomial P(x), then the polynomial x c is factor of P(x).
Examples:
1. Show that x - 2 is a factor of x3 + 7x2 + 2x 40.
Solution:
a. Using the remainder theorem
P(x) = x3 + 7x2 + 2x 40 if x = 2
P(2) = (2) 3 + 7(2) 2 + 2(2) 40
= 6 + 28 + 4 - 40
P(2) = 0
Since P(2) = 0, then x - 2 is a factor of x3 + 7x2 + 2x 40.
15

b. Using another method, by synthetic division

1

7
2

2
18

-40
40

20

the remainder

Since the remainder is 0, then x - 2 is a factor of x 3 + 7x2 + 2x 40.

2. Determine if ( x 3) is a factor of (2x4 - x3 18x2 7).
Solution:
a. by remainder theorem
P(x) = 2x4 - x3 18x2 - 7
if x = 3
P(3) = 2(3)4 - (3)3 - 18(3)2 - 7
= 2(81) - 27 - 18(9) - 7
= 162 27 162 7
P(3) = -34
Since the P(3) = -34, which is not 0 then, (x 3) is not a factor of (2x 4
- x3 18x2 7).
b. Using synthetic division
2

-1
6

-18
15

0
-9

-7
-27

-3

-9

-34

remainder

Since r = -34, then x 3 is not a factor of the second polynomial.

Again, we can use this knowledge to solve equations. If the polynomial x
c is a factor of P(x), then you can equate P(x) to zero. An example is given to
you below.
Example:
Find the value of k so that polynomial x 2 is a factor of 2x 3 kx - 3.
Solution:
By remainder theorem:
2x3 kx 3 = 0

Since x-2 is a factor of the polynomial then equate to 0.

16

2(2) 3 k(2) 3 = 0 Substitute x by 2 and perform operations.

2(8) 2k 3 = 0 Solve for k.
16 2k 3 = 0
-2k = - 13
k = 13
2
Let us check using synthetic division;
2x3 0x2 kx 3
2x3 0x2
2
2
2

Supply the missing term by 0

13
x3
2
13
2

-3

3
2

Substitute k by

13
2

Try this out

A. Tell whether the second polynomial is a factor of the first .
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

P(x) = 3x3 8x2 + 3x + 2;

P(x) = 2x4 + x3 + 2x + 1;
P(x) = x3 + 4x2 + x 6;
G(x) = 4x3 6x2 + 2x + 1;
H(x) = x3 6x2 + 3x + 10;

(x 2)
(x + 1)
(x + 3)
(2x 1)
(x 1)

B. Answer the following:

1. Which of the following is a factor of f(x) = x 3 7x + 6?
a. x + 2
b. x 3
c. x 1
d. x + 1
2. Which of the following is a factor of f(x) = 2x 3 + 3x2 3x 2?
a. x + 2
b. x 3
c. x + 1
d. x 2
3. Which is a factor of p(x) = 2x4 + 3x3 4x2 3x +2?
a. x 2

17

b. x 1
c. 2x + 1
d. x - 3
4. Which is a factor of g(x) = x3 2x2 5x + 6?
a. x 2
b. x + 1
c. x + 3
d. x 3
5. Which is a factor of p(x) = x3 + 3x2 9x 27?
a. x + 3
b. x + 2
c. x 2
d. x 3
6. Which is a factor of p(x) = 3x3 + 2x2 7x + 2?
a. x + 1
b. x 2
1
3
1
d. x +
3

c. x

7. Which is a factor of p(x) = x4 8x3 + 2x2 + 5?

a. x + 1
b. x 5
c. x + 5
d. x 1
8. Which is a factor of f(x) = x4 2x3 3x2 + 8x 4?
a. x 1
b. x + 1
c. x + 3
d. x 3
9. Which is a factor of f(x) = x4 + 6x3 + 9x2 4x 12?
a. x + 3
b. x 3
c. x + 1
d. x 2
10. Which is a factor of f(x) = 2x3 + 5x2 + x 2 ?
a. x + 2
b. x 1
c. x 2

18

d. x + 3
C. Determine the value of k which is necessary to meet the given condition.
1. (x 2) is a factor of 3x3 x2 11x + k.
2. (x + 3) is a factor of 2x5 + 5x4 + 3x3 + kx2 14x + 3.
3. (x + 1) is a factor of x4 + kx3 x2 + kx + 10.
4. (x + 2) is a factor of x3 + x2 + 5x + k.
5. (x 1) is a factor of x3 x2 4x + k.
6. (x 5) is a factor of x3 3x2 kx - 5.
7. (x + 1) is a factor of 3x3 + kx2 x 2.
8. (x + 4) is a factor of kx3 + 4x2 x 4.
9. ( x + 5) is a factor of kx2 + 4x 5.
10. (x 2) is factor of x3 + 3x2 kx + 2.

Lets summarize
1. Synthetic division is another method in finding the quotient and the
remainder.
2. Remainder theorem can be used to find the value of a function, that is
P( c) is the remainder when a polynomial p(x) is divided by ( x- c).
3. Factor theorem: The binomial (x - a) is a factor of the polynomial P( x)
if and only if P(x) = 0.

What have you learned

1.

Which of the following is a polynomial function?

a. P(x) = 3x-3 8x2 + 3x + 2
b. P(x) = x3 + 4x2 +

2.

1
6
x

c. P(x) = 2x4 + x3 + 2x + 1
6
d. G(x) = 4x3 2 + 2x + 1
x

What is the degree of the polynomial function f(x) = 5x

3x4 + 1?

3.

What will be the quotient and the remainder when y = 2x 3

3x 8x + 4 is divided by (x +2)?
2

a. q(x) = 2x2 7x + 6 , R = -8

19

b. q(x) = 2x2 7x + 6, R = 8
c. q(x) = 2x2 7x 6, R = -8
d. q(x) = 2x2 7x - 6 , R = 8
4. If f(a) = 2a3 + a2 + 12, what will be the value of f(a) at a = -2?
a. 1
b. -1
c. 0
d. 2
5. What must be the value of k so that when f(x) = kx2 - x + 3 divide by (x + 1),
the remainder is 5?
a. 2
b. -2
c. 0
d. 1
6. What must be the value of k in the function f(x) = x 4 + x3 kx2 25x 12 so
that (x 4) is a factor.
a. -12
b. -13
c. 13
d. 12
7. What is the remainder when f(x) = x4 + 3x2 + 4x 1 divided by (x 1)?
a. 7
b. -7
c. 6
d. 5
8. Which of the following binomial is a factor of f(x) = x 3 x2 5x 3?
a. x + 1
b. x + 2
c. x -3
d. x 2
9. If f(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x 2, what will be the value f(x) at x = 3?
a. -70
b. 70
c. 50
d. 50
10. For what value of k , when x3 + 4x2 kx + 1 x + 1 the remainder is 3?
a. -1
b. 1

20

c. 2
d. -2

21

Answer key
How much do you know
1. c
2. 4
3. Q(x) =(x3 + 2x 3), R = 3
4. 89
5. 2
6. 2
7. -5
8. a
9. 154
10. 4
Try this out
Lesson 1
A.
1. Polynomial function
2. Not a polynomial function
3. Polynomial function
4. Polynomial function
5. not a polynomial function
6. not a polynomial function
7. Polynomial function
8. not a polynomial function
9. Polynomial function
10. Polynomial function
B.
1. fourth
2. fifth
3. sixth
4. third
5. eighth
6. fifth
7. third
8. third
9. fourth
10. sixth
Lesson 2
1. 3x2 7x + 6 + -

7
x2

22

56
x2
30
3. x2 + x + 9 +
x3
49
4. x2 - x -13 + ()
x4
17
5. 2x4 + 8 + x2

2. 4x + 23 +

6. x3 - 3x2 + 9x - 30 +
7. x2 + x + 3 +

13
x3

8. 2x3 + x2 + 3x - 1 +

95
x3

5
x3

9. x2 + 3
10. x4 2x3 + 4x2 - 8x + 16

Lesson 3
A.
1. 4x6 + 21x5 26x3 + 27x = (4x5 + x4 5x3 x2 + 5x + 2)(x + 5) 10
2. x5 3x4 + 4x + 5 = (x4 x3 2x2 4x 4)(x - 2) 3
3. 2x3 4x2 5x +3 = (2x2 10x + 25)(x + 3) 72
4. x5 + 5x3 3x + 7 = (x4 + 2x3 + 9x2 + 18x + 33)(x 2) + 73
5. x4 8 = (x3 + 2x2 + 4x + 8)(x 2) + 8
6. 2x3 + 11x + 12 = (2x2 8x + 43)(x + 4) 160
7. 2x3 3x2 + 3x 4 = ( 2x2 + x + 5)(x 2) + 6
8. x5 + 32 = (x4 2x3 + 4x2 8x + 16)(x + 2) + 0
9. 2x4 5x3 10x + 8 = (2x3 + x2 + 3x 1)(x 3) + 5
10. 6x3 19x2 + x + 6 = (6x2 x 2)(x 3) + 0
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

P(x) = (2x3 + 5x2 + 2x 5) ( 2x + 1) + 0

P(x) = (5x2 3x + 6) (3x 2) +0
P(x) = (-3x3 + 2x2 8x + 6) (3x 1) - 2/3
P(x) = (x3 + 2x 3) (3x 1) +1
P(x) = (x2 2x + 2) (2x 1) + 3/2
P(x) = (x3 + 2x 5) (2x 1) 4
P(x) = (x2 4x + 3) (2x 1)

2
)-3
3
1
9. P(x) = (4x3 + 2x2 4x 2) (x
)
2

8. P(x) = (6x2 6x + 3) (x +

10. P(x) = (2x2 3x + 6) (x + 2) + 0

Lesson 4
A.
23

1. P(2) = -8
2. P(-10) = 0
3. P(1) = 1
4. P(3) = 89
5. P(-5) = 0
6. P(-2) = 0
7. P(2) = 73
8. P(-2) = -59
9. P(1) = 16
10. P(-1) = -7
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

- 21
-5
13
-18
-70
-9
0
-720
20
1

C.
1. p( -3) = -115
2. p(-2) = -4
3. p(4) = 1,472
4. p(-2) = -64
5. p(-3) = -104
6. p(5) = 4,125
7. P(1) = 0
8. P(-3) = 6
9. P(2) = 8
10. P(-2) = 152
D.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

k=4
k=8
k = 16
k=1
k = 68

Lesson 5
A.
1. P(x) = x3 4x2 + 2x 6 if x = 4
a. by synthetic division

24

-4
4

2
0

-6
8

b. by remainder theorem
x3 4x2 + 2x 6
(4)3 4(4) 2 + 2(4) 6
64 64 + 8 6
P(4) = 2
2. P(x) = x5 3x2 20
if x= 2
x5 + 0x4 + 0x3 3x2 +0x 20
a. by synthetic division
1 0
2

0 -3 0 -20
4 8 10 20

1 2 4

5 10

a. by remainder theorem
(2)5 3(2)2 20
32 -12 - 20
P(2) = 0
3. P(x) = 2x3 + 3x2 x 79

if x = 9

a. by synthetic division
2
9
2

3
18

-1
189

- 79
1692

21 188 1613

b. by remainder theorem
2(9)3 + 3(9)2 9 79
2(729) + 3(81) 9 79
1458 + 243 88
P(9) = 1613
4. P(x) = x3 8x2 + 2x + 5

if x = 3

25

a. by synthetic division
1

-8
2 5
3 -15 -39

-5 -13 -34

b. by remainder theorem
(3)3 8(3)2 + 2(3) + 5
27 - 72 + 6 + 5
P(3) = -34
5. P(x) = x4 + x3 + x2 + x + 1, if x = 4
a. by synthetic division
1
4

1 1
4 20

1 1
84 340

1 5 21 85 341
b. by remainder theorem
(4)4 + (4)3 + (4)2 + 4 + 1
256 + 64 + 16 + 5
P(4) = 341
6. P(x) = 3x4 + 8x2 1,

if x = -4

a. by synthetic division
3
-4

0 8 0
-1
-12 48 -224 896

3 -12 56 -224 895

b. by remainder
3(-4)4 + 8(-4)2 1
3(256) + 8(16) - 1
768 + 128 - 1
P(-4) = 895

7. P(x) = 6x3 + 9x2 6x + 2, if x = 2

26

a. by synthetic division
6

9
12

-6
42

2
72

21

36

74

b. by remainder theorem
6(2)3 + 9(2)2 6(2) + 2
6(8) + 9(4) - 12 + 2
48 + 36 -10
P(2) = 74
8. P(x) = x4 2x3 + 4x2 + 6x 8,

if x = 3

a. synthetic division
3

1 - 2 4 6 -8
3 3 21 81
1

7 27 73

b. by remainder theorem
(3)4 2(3)3 + 4(3)2 + 6(3) 8
81- 54 + 36 + 18 8
27 + 54 8
P(3) = 73
9. P(x) = 4x4 + 3x3 2x2 + x + 1,

if x = - 1

a. by synthetic division
4

3
-4

-2
1

-1

-1

-1

1 1
1 -2
2

-1

b. by remainder theorem
4(-1)4 + 3(-1) 3 2(-1)2 + (-1) + 1
4 -3 -2 -1 + 1
P (-1) = -1
10. P(x) = 2x3 + 8x2 3x 1,

if x = -2

27

a. by synthetic division
2

8
-4

-3 -1
-8 22

-11 21

-2

b. check by remainder theorem

2(-2)3 + 8(-2)2 3(-2) 1
2(-8) + 8(4) + 6 1
-16 + 32 + 5
P(-2) = 21
B.
1. 0
2. 228
3. -6
4. -6
5. 11
6. 11
7. 0
8124
9. -4
10. 0
C. 1. 11
2. -6
3. 0
5
8
73
5.
64

4.

Lesson 6
A.
1. is a factor
2. is a factor
3. is a factor
4. is not a factor
5. is not a factor
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

c
a
b
d
d
28

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

c
d
a
a
a

C.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

k=2
k = 13
k=4
k = 14
k=4
k=9
k=4
k=1
k=1
k = 11

What have you learned

1. c
2. 4
3. a
4. c
5. d
6. c
7. a
8. a
9. b
10. a

29