Question

30pts!!

Paula wants to determine the remainder when 3x^4−2x^3+x−16 is divided by x + 2. She plans to use synthetic division.

What value does she place in the box furthest to the left in the synthetic division set-up?

Enter your answer in the box.

Paula places a __ in the box.

Answer 1

3

Explanation:

Paula places a 3 in the box furthest to the left in the synthetic division set-up. In synthetic division, the numbers in the dividend (3x^4−2x^3+x−16) are arranged in a row with a box to the left of the first term. The number placed in this box is the leading coefficient of the polynomial, which is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree. In this case, the leading coefficient of the polynomial is 3, so Paula places a 3 in the box.