[u]Ruffini's Rule[/u] is a shortcut method for dividing a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x-a).[br][list][*]This method reduces the polynomial and the linear factor into a set of numeric values.[/*][*]After these values are processed, the resulting set of numeric outputs is used to construct the polynomial quotient and the polynomial remainder.[/*][/list]

[size=150][b]Step 1:[/b][/size] Make sure the terms in the polynomial are in descending order. If a term is missing, add it in with a coefficient of zero.[br]This is going to be your [u]dividend[/u].

[size=150][b]Step 2:[/b][/size] Set the linear factor equal to zero. Solve for x.[br]This is going to be your [u]divisor[/u].

[size=150][b]Step 3:[/b][/size] Set up the problem. Make sure to put the divisor and the dividend in the correct locations.

[size=150][b]Step 4:[/b][/size] Bring down the first coefficient. When you're dividing by x-a, the coefficient will always be the same.

[size=150][b]Step 5:[/b][/size] Multiply the divisor by the number you brought down. Put the product in the next column.

[size=150][b]Step 6:[/b][/size] Add the numbers in the second column.

[b][size=150]Step 7: [/size][/b]Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the remaining coefficients.

[size=150][b]Step 8:[/b][/size] Write the answer.[br]The numbers you wrote down on the bottom row of the [u]coefficients[/u] of the answers.[br]The last number on the right is the [u]remainder[/u].[br]The [u]degree[/u] of your answer will always be one less than what you started with.