Question 1
(i) The divisor has a degree of two. Remainders are always one degree less than the divisor (verify this with any long division example). As a result, the most common form for R(x) is ax + b, in other words - linear.
(ii) P(x) = (x + 1)(x - 4)Q(x) + ax + b (or R(x))
If P(4) = - 5, then 4a + b = - 5 ===> R(4) = - 5
(iii) P(-1) = 5, so - a + b = 5
- 5a = 10 (by subtracting two linear equations)
a = - 2
.'. b = 7
.'. R(x) = - 2x + 7
Question 2
P(x) = (x^2 - 1)Q(x) + 3x - 1
= (x - 1)(x + 1)Q(x) + 3x - 1
When divided by (x - 1), P(1) = 2
Therefore, remainder is 2, when P(x) is divided by (x - 1)
Question 5
x^3 - 2x^2 + a = (x + 2)Q(x) + 3
Put x = - 2
(- 2)^3 - 2(- 2)^2 + a = 3
- 8 - 8 + a = 3
a = 19