College

What is the remainder in the synthetic division problem below?

[tex]\[ 1 \longdiv {1\ 2\ -3\ 3} \][/tex]

A. 4
B. 6
C. 3
D. 5

Answer :

Let's solve the synthetic division problem step by step!

We are dividing a polynomial by using synthetic division where [tex]\( c = 3 \)[/tex] (since the divisor would be in the form [tex]\( x - c \)[/tex], so [tex]\( c = 3 \)[/tex]).

Here are the steps for synthetic division:

1. Write the coefficients of the polynomial you're dividing. In this case, the polynomial is represented by the coefficients 1, 2, and -3.

2. Bring down the leading coefficient. Start by bringing down the first coefficient (1) directly below the line.

3. Multiply and add: Take this result (1) and multiply it by [tex]\( c \)[/tex] (which is 3), and add it to the next coefficient (2):
- [tex]\( 1 \times 3 = 3 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( 2 + 3 = 5 \)[/tex]

4. Repeat the multiply and add step for the next coefficient (-3):
- [tex]\( 5 \times 3 = 15 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\(-3 + 15 = 12 \)[/tex]

5. The final result here, 12, is the remainder of the division.

So, the remainder when dividing the polynomial by [tex]\( x - 3 \)[/tex] using synthetic division is 12.