Synthetic Division: Faster Than Long Division

Common Mistakes
  • Subtracting Columns
  • Using wrong sign for zero
  • Not bringing down leading coefficient
  • Always going back to original coefficients
  • Factoring incorrectly

Video Length: 6:02

Synthetic division is one of the fastest ways to divide polynomials—and it’s much easier than traditional polynomial long division once you understand the process.

In this video, you’ll learn how synthetic division works step-by-step, including how to set up the problem, what the numbers represent, and how the multiplication-and-addition pattern helps you find the quotient and remainder quickly.

In this lesson you’ll learn:

• When synthetic division can be used
• How to set up a synthetic division problem
• What each number represents
• How to multiply and add through the process
• How to identify the quotient and remainder
• Common mistakes students make

Whether you’re taking Algebra 2, College Algebra, Precalculus, or preparing for the ACT, synthetic division is an important tool to have in your math toolbox.

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