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Having fun with
Polynomial Functions
Ruffini's method
Let us make sure we understand how to use this method
First, draw three lines
f(x) = x³ + 2x² + 2x - 5
First, take the constant value of 5 and list the divisors
1, 5
Next, plug those values into the equation until you find one that will satsify f(x) = 0
Trying 1
f(1) = 1 + 2 + 2 - 5
This does equal to 0. We have found our one factor and can stop with this part and continue on to the next.
(x - 1) can be factored out of the equation. Let us divide the equation by (x - 1) to see the remainder.
First, list the x-value that satisifies the equation in the very left start position.
Next, in the middle opening, list the coeffecients of the equation as shown in the picture below.
The coefficients are (A)x³ + (B)x² + (C)x + D
For this equation
A = 1
B = 2
C = 2
D = (-5)
Then we begin the addition process which I will draw out below.
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