12.3 - Division of Algebraic Expressions
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Introduction to Division of Algebraic Expressions
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Today, we will explore how to divide algebraic expressions. Can anyone remind me what division actually means?
It’s the opposite of multiplication!
Exactly! If we know that, let's take an example: if we have 6x³, how can we express it with 2x as a divisor?
We could write it as 6x³ ÷ 2x, right?
Correct! Now if we break it down, what do we find?
Using factorization! We get 6x³ = 2 × 3 × x × x × x.
Right! And when we cancel out the common factors, what do we get?
We get 3x²!
Great! To summarize, when dividing monomials, seek common factors and simplify. Remember: factor, cancellation, result!
Dividing Polynomials by Monomials
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Now that we understand monomials, let's talk about dividing polynomials by monomials. For instance, how does one divide 4y³ + 5y² + 6y by 2y?
Do we just divide each term by 2y?
You got it! Each term becomes 2y² + rac{5y}{2y} + rac{6y}{2y}. Can anyone simplify that?
Sure, we get 2y² + rac{5}{2} + 3!
Fantastic! This means we separated each term. When dividing polynomials, keep your eyes on simplifying each part for clarity.
So it’s like breaking it into smaller, simpler pieces!
Exactly! Always remember: Divide, simplify, and gather.
Advanced Division: Polynomial by Polynomial
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Let's tackle something more complex: dividing polynomials by polynomials. For example, dividing (7x² + 14x) by (x + 2). What do we do first?
Should we factor the numerator first?
Correct! Let's factor 7x(x + 2). Now how does this assist us?
Now we can cancel (x + 2) from both the numerator and the denominator!
Exactly, yielding just 7x! Summarize this process for me, all together.
Factor first, cancel common terms, then simplify!
That's it! Remember: Factor, cancel, simplify!
Introduction to Division of Algebraic Expressions
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Today, we will explore how to divide algebraic expressions. Can anyone remind me what division actually means?
It’s the opposite of multiplication!
Exactly! If we know that, let's take an example: if we have 6x³, how can we express it with 2x as a divisor?
We could write it as 6x³ ÷ 2x, right?
Correct! Now if we break it down, what do we find?
Using factorization! We get 6x³ = 2 × 3 × x × x × x.
Right! And when we cancel out the common factors, what do we get?
We get 3x²!
Great! To summarize, when dividing monomials, seek common factors and simplify. Remember: factor, cancellation, result!
Dividing Polynomials by Monomials
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Now that we understand monomials, let's talk about dividing polynomials by monomials. For instance, how does one divide 4y³ + 5y² + 6y by 2y?
Do we just divide each term by 2y?
You got it! Each term becomes 2y² + rac{5y}{2y} + rac{6y}{2y}. Can anyone simplify that?
Sure, we get 2y² + rac{5}{2} + 3!
Fantastic! This means we separated each term. When dividing polynomials, keep your eyes on simplifying each part for clarity.
So it’s like breaking it into smaller, simpler pieces!
Exactly! Always remember: Divide, simplify, and gather.
Advanced Division: Polynomial by Polynomial
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Let's tackle something more complex: dividing polynomials by polynomials. For example, dividing (7x² + 14x) by (x + 2). What do we do first?
Should we factor the numerator first?
Correct! Let's factor 7x(x + 2). Now how does this assist us?
Now we can cancel (x + 2) from both the numerator and the denominator!
Exactly, yielding just 7x! Summarize this process for me, all together.
Factor first, cancel common terms, then simplify!
That's it! Remember: Factor, cancel, simplify!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we explore how to perform divisions involving algebraic expressions, beginning with the division of monomials by monomials and extending to the division of polynomials by monomials. Key examples demonstrate the methodology and techniques to simplify these expressions effectively.
Detailed
Division of Algebraic Expressions
This section highlights the process of dividing algebraic expressions, marking a significant extension of the operations we've learned such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Division is recognized as the inverse operation of multiplication. For instance, if we have an expression resulting from a multiplication operation, it can be reverted to its factors using division.
We begin with monomials, for example, dividing one monomial by another, which can be done through factorization and cancellation of common factors. We progress to the division of a polynomial by a monomial, showcasing how each term of the polynomial can be separately divided by the monomial.
Further, we investigate the division of polynomials, emphasizing how to manipulate each polynomial into a factored form before dividing, thus allowing us to easily cancel common factors. This section equips students with essential tools for handling various algebraic divisions dynamically, reinforcing their understanding of algebraic manipulation.
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Introduction to Division of Algebraic Expressions
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
We have learnt how to add and subtract algebraic expressions. We also know how to multiply two expressions. We have not however, looked at division of one algebraic expression by another. This is what we wish to do in this section.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, we will explore how to divide algebraic expressions, which is an important operation alongside addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Division is basically the reverse of multiplication, and understanding this relationship helps when working with algebraic expressions. Just as you might divide numbers, you can divide expressions as well.
Examples & Analogies
Think of division like sharing a pizza. If you have a whole pizza (an algebraic expression) and you want to share it among a certain number of people (like dividing by another expression), you'd be looking at how much each person gets, similar to how we find a quotient in division.
Division of Monomials
Chapter 2 of 5
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Chapter Content
Now we shall look closely at how the division of one expression by another can be carried out. To begin with we shall consider the division of a monomial by another monomial.
Detailed Explanation
When dividing one monomial by another, we can break down each monomial into its factors and simplify. For instance, in the expression 6x³ ÷ 2x, we can factor both the numerator and the denominator and cancel out the common factors. This leads to a simpler expression as a result.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have 6 apples and you want to give them to 2 friends. If you divide the apples evenly, each friend gets 3 apples. This is similar to how we cancel out factors in an algebraic expression!
Example of Dividing Monomials
Chapter 3 of 5
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Chapter Content
Consider 6x³ ÷ 2x. We may write 2x and 6x³ in irreducible factor forms, 2x = 2 × x, 6x³ = 2 × 3 × x × x × x. Now we group factors of 6x³ to separate 2x, 6x³ = 2 × x × (3 × x × x) = (2x) × (3x²).
Detailed Explanation
Using the example of 6x³ ÷ 2x, we identified that both expressions can be written in terms of their prime factors. This allows us to easily see that 2x is a common factor, which we can cancel out. This leads us to the final result of 3x². The process of simplifying these expressions using their factors is key in dividing algebraic expressions.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this process like sorting blocks. If you have 6 different blocks (x-factors) in a pile but you can group them with a smaller set (2x), it's easier to see what remains after taking out the common ones!
Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
Let us consider the division of the trinomial 4y³ + 5y² + 6y by the monomial 2y. Therefore, (4y³ + 5y² + 6y) ÷ 2y.
Detailed Explanation
When dividing a polynomial by a monomial, we can either factor out the common divisor from each term of the polynomial or divide each term separately by the monomial. This allows us to simplify each term and combine them back into a polynomial, which is often much easier to work with.
Examples & Analogies
Consider this as distributing candies. If you have a bag of candies (the polynomial) and you want to share them (divide by the monomial), you would count how many candies each friend receives and see what’s left over by dividing each count individually.
Dividing Polynomials by Polynomials
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
In the case of division of a polynomial by a polynomial, we cannot proceed by dividing each term in the dividend polynomial by the divisor polynomial. Instead, we factorise both the polynomials and cancel their common factors.
Detailed Explanation
When you divide one polynomial by another polynomial, it's not just as simple as dividing term by term. The correct approach is to factor each polynomial first. This helps identify any common factors that can be cancelled, simplifying the problem much like reducing fractions.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have a recipe that makes several servings (the polynomial), and you want to share this recipe with a friend (dividing by another polynomial). By breaking down the ingredients (factoring), you can see what parts you both can share or keep to make perfect servings.
Key Concepts
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Division of Monomials: Involves canceling out common factors.
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Dividing Polynomials by Monomials: Each term of the polynomial is divided separately.
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Dividing Polynomials by Polynomials: Requires factoring and cancellation of common terms.
Examples & Applications
Example of monomial division: 6x³ ÷ 3x = 2x², cancelling common factors.
Example of polynomial division: (4y³ + 5y² + 6y) ÷ 2y = 2y² + 5/2 + 3.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When dividing to find what's true, just cancel the common and simplify too.
Stories
Imagine a friendly baker trying to split a cake evenly; their key is always to look for parts they can share before cutting it!
Memory Tools
For division: 'Factor, Cancel, Simplify' - Remember this phrase in every dive.
Acronyms
DTC
Divide
Teamwork (factor)
Cancel.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Monomial
An algebraic expression consisting of one term.
- Polynomial
An algebraic expression that consists of multiple terms.
- Dividend
The number or expression that is being divided.
- Divisor
The number or expression by which the dividend is divided.
- Quotient
The result of division.
- Irreducible Factor
A factor that cannot be simplified or factored further.
Reference links
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