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M1+-+AHM+-+Chapter+0 5 +ruffini

This document explains Ruffini's rule, a method for dividing polynomials by linear factors, specifically (x - a). It provides step-by-step instructions for performing the division using coefficients and includes examples and applications of the rule, such as factoring polynomials and finding roots. Additionally, it presents several exercises with answers to illustrate the use of Ruffini's rule.

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35 views3 pages

M1+-+AHM+-+Chapter+0 5 +ruffini

This document explains Ruffini's rule, a method for dividing polynomials by linear factors, specifically (x - a). It provides step-by-step instructions for performing the division using coefficients and includes examples and applications of the rule, such as factoring polynomials and finding roots. Additionally, it presents several exercises with answers to illustrate the use of Ruffini's rule.

Uploaded by

whyriel0010
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Math for economics and finance. Module 1.

Marta Catalá Iváñez de Lara. ONCAMPUS Amsterdam – University of Amsterdam.

Chapter 0.5. Factoring – Ruffini’s rule

Definition
Ruffini’s method helps us to divide a polynomial by a linear factor (x – a). For example, the following
long division could be performed with Ruffini as well.

To perform this algebraic operation with Ruffini:


• We start by writing the coefficients of the dividend: 7, -11, 0, -94, 7.
• We write a. In this case, we are dividing by (x – 3), so a = 3.
• We bring down the first coefficient: 7.
• We multiply 7 · 3 = 21 and we write it below the next coefficient.
• We add the coefficients: -11 + 21 = 10.
And we start over again. We multiply 10 · 3 = 30, write it below the next coefficient, and add them.
See below step by step:

Notice that Ruffini’s rule’s steps are the same as the steps of the long division. The advantage of
Ruffini’s rule is that you only work with the coefficients and only do the essential operations.
1
Math for economics and finance. Module 1.

Marta Catalá Iváñez de Lara. ONCAMPUS Amsterdam – University of Amsterdam.

Step by step
Here you have another worked out example. We want to divide P(x) = (2x3 + 3x2 - 4) by (x + 1).
1. Write down the coefficients and “a”. If a coefficient is missing, write 0.

2. Copy the first coefficient down, below the total line.

3. Multiply the last obtained value by “a”.

4. Add the values.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have finished.

We can see that the remainder is -3, which means that -1 is not a root and (x+1) is not a
factor of P(x).
Anyway, we could now say 2x3 + 3x2 – 4 = (x +1) (2x2 + x – 1) – 3

2
Math for economics and finance. Module 1.

Marta Catalá Iváñez de Lara. ONCAMPUS Amsterdam – University of Amsterdam.

Uses of Ruffini’s rule


We may use Ruffini when:
• Dividing polynomials by x-a.
• Factoring polynomials.
Tip: to look for the roots “a” of a polynomial, try the divisors of the constant term of the
polynomial P(x).
• Finding roots.

Examples
1. Divide (2x3 - 8x2 - 31x + 42) by (x - 6).
2. Factor x3 - 2x2 - 5x + 6.
3. Factor x3 - 8x2 +19x -12.
4. Factor x3 - 3x2 + 4.
5. Factor x4 - 6x3 + 3x2 + 26x - 24.
6. Factor x4 - 13x3 + 59x2 -107x + 60.
7. Find the roots of the polynomial P(x) = x2 - 5x + 6.
8. Find the roots of the polynomial P(x) = x4 + 2x3 - 7x2 - 8x + 12.
9. Find the value of m so that the polynomial P(x) = x3 - mx2 + 5x - 2 is divisible by x +1.
Answers.
1. 2x2 + 4x -7.
2. (x - 1) (x - 3) (x +2)
3. (x - 1) (x - 3) (x - 4)
4. (x – 2) 2 (x - 1)
5. (x - 1) (x +2) (x - 3) (x - 4)
6. (x - 1) (x3 - 12x2 + 37x - 60)
7. 2 and 3.
8. 1, ±2 and -3.
9. m = - 8.

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