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NSWMaths Extension 1Quick questions
Polynomials (ME-F2)
Quick questions on Division of polynomials and the division algorithm: quotient, remainder, missing terms and the identity P = DQ + R
2short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the division algorithm?Show answer
The central result mirrors integer division exactly. Where whole-number division gives a quotient and a remainder smaller than the divisor, polynomial division gives a quotient and a remainder of lower degree than the divisor.
What are handling missing terms?Show answer
A polynomial like has no , or term, and a dividend with gaps is where divisions go wrong, because a term can silently land in the wrong column. There are two equivalent safeguards, and you should pick one and use it every time:
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