In order to divide polynomials using synthetic division, you must be dividing by a linear expression and the leading coefficient (first number) must be a 1. For example, you can use synthetic division to divide by x + 3 or x – 6, but you cannot use synthetic division to divide by x2 + 2 or 3x2 – x + 7. If the leading coefficient is not a 1, then you must divide by the leading coefficient to turn the leading coefficient into a 1. For example, 3x – 1 would becomex minus 1/3 and 2x + 7 would becomex plus 7/2. If synthetic division will not work, then you must use long division.
