Precalculus

Polynomial Long Division

Polynomial long division splits a dividend into a quotient plus a remainder over the divisor, just like dividing whole numbers. Enter both polynomials in x using ^ for exponents; the calculator returns the quotient and remainder.

Polynomial Long Division

Divide one polynomial by another for quotient and remainder.

Try:
Answerquotient = x² + x + 3, remainder = 5
  1. Dividendx³ − 2x² − 4
  2. Divisorx − 3
  3. Divide leading termsbring down 1·x², then subtract
  4. Divide leading termsbring down 1·x¹, then subtract
  5. Divide leading termsbring down 3·x⁰, then subtract
  6. Quotientx² + x + 3
  7. Remainder5

Worked examples

Frequently asked questions

How do I enter the polynomials?

Use ^ for exponents and combine terms with + and −, for example x^3 - 2x^2 - 4 divided by x - 3.

What does the remainder tell me?

If the remainder is 0, the divisor is a factor of the dividend. A non-zero remainder is left over the divisor.

Is this the same as synthetic division?

It gives the same quotient and remainder; synthetic division is a faster shortcut that works only when the divisor is linear.