Lesson 13

This is the second of two lessons whose purpose is to introduce students to polynomial division, focusing specifically on dividing by linear factors.

In this lesson, students are introduced to polynomial long division, which is similar to long division involving rational numbers, but organized based on the exponent of the variable instead of powers of 10. Similar structures between integers and polynomials are reinforced in this lesson as students compare what long division looks like with each and use the long division to identify factors (MP7).

An optional activity is included in this lesson and should be used if students need extra practice multiplying and dividing polynomials strategically. Students will use long division in their work with rational expressions later in this unit, in particular when they study the end behavior of rational functions.