In polynomial division, what is the first step?

In polynomial division, the first step is to divide the first term of the divisor into the first term of the dividend. This initial division sets the foundation for the entire polynomial long division process. By identifying how many times the leading term of the divisor can fit into the leading term of the dividend, you determine the first term of the quotient, which will be crucial for subsequent steps.

After calculating this first division, you would then proceed to multiply that term by the entire divisor and subtract that from the original polynomial, leading you further along in the division process. The other steps mentioned—subtraction, bringing down the next term, and multiplying by the divisor—occur sequentially after this initial step. Thus, correctly starting with dividing the first term is essential for a successful and systematic approach to polynomial division.