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Last updated on September 26, 2025
Division is an operation that helps in grouping into equal parts. It is the inverse of multiplication. The division algorithm describes the relationship between the numbers and values in division, as follows: Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder.
The division algorithm is a mathematical rule that shows how to express one whole number as the product of another whole number, a quotient, and a remainder. The rule is Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder, which means a number (the dividend) is divided by another (the divisor) number that gives the quotient and the remainder. This rule is also known as Euclid’s division Lemma.
The division algorithm for polynomials follows the same basic principle as the division algorithm for numbers. It provides a method to divide one polynomial by another, giving a quotient and a remainder. If a(y) and b(y) are polynomials with b(y) ≠ 0, there are unique polynomials b(x) and r(x) which give: a(y) = b(y) × q(y) + r(y).
a(y) = Dividend (polynomial to be divided)
b(y) = Divisor (non-zero polynomial)
q(y) = Quotient
r(y) = Remainder
Here, the degree of the remainder r(x) is less than the degree of the divisor b(x)
The division algorithm with polynomials works much like long division with numbers. It is used when both the dividend and the divisor are polynomials. Here are the steps for the procedure to divide a Polynomial by Another Polynomial:
Step 1: Arrange both the dividend and the divisor in standard form from highest to lowest degree.
Step 2: Divide the highest degree of the dividend by the highest degree term of the divisor to get the first term of the quotient.
Step 3: Multiply the divisor by the term and subtract the result from the dividend.
Step 4: Continue dividing the leading term of the current expression by the leading term of the divisor to find the next term in the quotient.
Step 5: Repeat the steps until you can’t divide. That remainder becomes your final remainder.
The division algorithm for linear divisors is a simple rule that helps to check that a polynomial is divided correctly. When dividing a higher-degree polynomial by a lower-degree polynomial, this provides the quotient and the remainder. The division algorithm proves that multiplying the divisor by the quotient and adding the remainder, we get the original polynomial.
Division Algorithm For General Divisors
The division algorithm for polynomials is a rule that helps to divide any polynomial by another. The degree of the divisor must be less than or equal to the dividend. The degree of the remainder is always less than the divisor.
There is a rule in the division algorithm that helps to divide two whole numbers
Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder
While solving the division algorithm, there are several steps to take to divide two numbers. Here are the steps
The division algorithm has practical applications in various real-world contexts beyond academics. The division algorithm helps to divide things into equal parts, calculating, etc. Here are some real-life applications given below
While learning and understanding the division algorithm, students sometimes make mistakes. That’s normal. Making errors while solving problems means you’re actively learning. Here are some common mistakes that help you avoid and learn quickly.
Use the division algorithm to divide 34 by 5
34
First, identify the dividend and the divisor
The dividend = 34
Divisor = 5
34 ÷ 5, which gives the quotient = 6 and the remainder = 4
Check the answer using the division algorithm
Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder
34 = (5 × 6) + 4
34 = 30 + 4
34 = 34
Divide the polynomial f(x) = x3 - 4x + 3 by g(x) = x - 1 using the division algorithm
(x - 1) (x2 + x - 3)
Set up the long division
x3 -4x + 3 ÷ x -1
x3 + 0x2 - 4x + 3 including the missing term x2
Divide: x3 ÷ x = x2
Multiply: x2(x - 1) = x3 - x2
Then subtract the (x3 + 0x2) - (x3 - x2) = x2
Next step:
And bring down the next term x2 - 4x
Divide the x2 ÷ x = x
Multiply the x(x - 1) = x2 -x
Subtract the (x2 - 4x) - (x2 - x) = -3x
Third step:
Bring down: −3x + 3
Divide: −3x ÷ x = −3
Multiply: −3(x−1) = −3x + 3
Subtract: (−3x+3) − (−3x+3) = 0
Use the division algorithm to divide 90 by 8
90
First, identify the dividend and the divisor
The dividend = 90
Divisor = 8
Perform the division
90 ÷ 8, which gives quotient = 11 and remainder = 2
Verify the answer using the division algorithm
Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder
90 = 8 × 11 + 2
90 = 88 + 2
90 = 90
Divide 56 by 7 using the division algorithm
56
First, identify the dividend and the divisor
The dividend = 56
Divisor = 7
56 ÷ 7, which gives quotient = 8 and remainder = 0
Check the answer using the division algorithm
Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder
56 = 7 × 8 + 0
56 = 56
Divide 50 by 7 using the division algorithm
50
First, identify the dividend and the divisor
The dividend = 50
Divisor = 7
Solve the division
50 ÷ 7, which gives quotient = 7 and remainder = 1
Check the answer using the division algorithm
Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder
50 = 7 × 7 + 1
50 = 49 + 1
50 = 50