Question

The Tabular Method is used to divide the polynomials shown below. Write the degree of the quotient.

Answer 1

Given:

`(x^3+2x^2+2x+1)/(x+1)`

Simplify:

`(x^3+2x^2+2x+1)/(x+1)=((x+1)(x^2+x+1))/(x+1)`

Cancel the common factor:

`(x^3+2x^2+2x+1)/(x+1)=x^2+x+1`

ANSWER: Thus, the degree of the quotient is two.