A polynomial function contains terms of variables raised to whole number powers that are added or subtracted. Examples of polynomials are x^2 + 5x + 3 and 3x^4 - 2x^3 + x^2 - 4. Long division can be used to divide polynomials, with the process being similar to dividing numbers. The result of polynomial division is the quotient polynomial and a remainder.

1. Polynomials
polynomial function is a function in the form
+ ... + a
where n is a whole number
x is a variable
the coefficients a are real numbers
Examples

2. Review: Long Division
425 ÷ 25 = ?
dividend
http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/long-division-animation.html
How about 2748 ÷ 13?

3. Long division can also be used to divide a polynomial by
a binomial.
Ex. Divide x + 2x + 5 by x - 1

4. Divide 5x + 10x - 13x - 9 by x - 2
: Must write the polynomial in descending order!

5. Division statement for Division by x - a
P(x) = (x - a)Q(x) + R
where P(x) is the original polynomial
(x - a) is the binomial divisor
Q(x) is the quotient polynomial
R is the remainder
Ex. Divide: -4x - x - 3 by x - 3