Learn Before
Concept

Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial

To divide a polynomial by a monomial, split the single fraction into separate fractions by dividing each term of the polynomial individually by the monomial, then simplify each resulting fraction. This method relies on the reverse form of the fraction addition property: if aa, bb, and cc are numbers with c0c \neq 0, then

a+bc=ac+bc\frac{a + b}{c} = \frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c}

The left-hand form combines fractions (used when adding fractions), while the right-hand form splits a single fraction apart (used when dividing a polynomial by a monomial). When the division is not already written as a fraction, first rewrite it by placing the polynomial in the numerator and the monomial in the denominator. After splitting, each individual fraction becomes a monomial divided by a monomial, which can be simplified using coefficient division and the Quotient Property for Exponents. When dividing by a negative monomial, apply the sign rules for division carefully to each term — dividing a positive term by a negative produces a negative result, and dividing a negative term by a negative produces a positive result.

0

1

Updated 2026-04-29

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.6 Polynomials - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Prealgebra

Related
Learn After