What is the Remainder Theorem?

Recall that for long division for integers, the dividing process stops when
the remainder is less than the divisor.
dividend = divisor quotient + remainder

The process is similar for division of polynomials. The dividing stops when
the remainder is less that the degree of the divisor.

The Remainder Theorem states that

If a polynomial f(x) is divided by a linear divisor x a, the
remainder is f(a)

Hence, when the divisor is linear, the remainder can be found by using
the Remainder Theorem.
How to use the Remainder Theorem?

Example:

Find the remainder when 4x3 5x + 1 is divided by

a) x 2
b) x + 3
c) 2x 1

Solution:

Let f(x) = 4x3 5x + 1

a) When f(x) is divided by x 2, remainder,

R = f(2) = 4(2)3 5(2) + 1 = 23

b) When f(x) is divided by x + 3, remainder,

R = f(3) = 4(3)3 5(3) + 1 = 92

c) When f(x) is divided by 2x 1, remainder,

Example:

The expression 4x2 px + 7 leaves a remainder of 2 when divided by x

3. Find the value of p.

Solution:

Let f(x) = 4x2 px + 7

By the Remainder Theorem,

f(3) = 2
4(3)2 3p + 7 = 2
p = 15