1. ## Algebra

When a polynomial is divided by (x+2) the remainder is 19. When the same polynomial is divided by (x-1) the remainder is 2. Determine the remainder when the polynomial is divided by (x-1)(x+2).

Divide a polynomial ? Wouldn't it be just a number ?
What type of polynomial is it ? Quadratic, linear, ternary ?
Is the $x$ stated in your question the same as the unknown of the polynomial ?

3. Originally Posted by Bacterius
Divide a polynomial ? Wouldn't it be just a number ?
What type of polynomial is it ? Quadratic, linear, ternary ?
Is the $x$ stated in your question the same as the unknown of the polynomial ?
It doesn't matter the degree of the polynomial, as long as it degree 3 or more it can divide by two factors. When you divide a polynomial by (x-a), the result is another polynomial with degree one less than the previous one and a possible remainder term, unless it divides evenly.

I've been thinking about this problem and I can't figure it out 100%. I am almost sure you either add them or multiply, but I can't see which one.

4. Originally Posted by KingV15
When a polynomial is divided by (x+2) the remainder is 19. When the same polynomial is divided by (x-1) the remainder is 2. Determine the remainder when the polynomial is divided by (x-1)(x+2).
HI

$f(1)=2$ , $f(-2)=19$

Lets assume that the remainder of f(x) is Ax+B . We can make this assumption because :

When f(x) is divided by $(x-1)(x+2)$ , there is a quotient q(x) and a remainder r(x) .

$f(x)=(x-1)(x+2)q(x)+r(x)$

where $r(x)=0$ or $\deg r(x)<\deg (x-1)(x+2)=2$

so now $f(x)=(x-1)(x+2)q(x)+Ax+B$
$f(1)=A+B\Rightarrow 2=A+B$ --- 1

$f(-2)=-2A+B\Rightarrow 19=-2A+B$ ---- 2

Solve the simultaneous equations .