How Synthetic Division Works
Rapid division shortcut for dividing polynomials by linear terms (x - c):
STEP 01
List Coefficients
Write down coefficients in descending order of degree (use 0 for missing terms).
STEP 02
Bring Down First
Drop down leading coefficient to bottom row.
STEP 03
Multiply and Add
Multiply by root c, write under next coefficient, and add down.
STEP 04
Read Quotient
Bottom numbers are quotient polynomial coefficients, with last number as remainder.