The function is , and the root is .

Use synthetic division to find .

Step 1: Write the terms of the dividend so that the degrees of the terms are in descending order. Then write just the coefficients as shown at the right.

Step 2: Write the constant r of the divisor x - r to the left. In this case, . Bring the first coefficient, 1, down.

Step 3: Multiply the first coefficient by r : . Write the product under the second coefficient, - 8. Then add the product and the second coefficient, - 8 : .

Step 4: Multiply the sum, , by r : .

Write the product under the next coefficient, 26 and add : .

Step 5: Multiply the sum, , by r : .

Write the product under the next coefficient, - 40 and add : .

Step 6: Multiply the sum, , by r : .

Write the product under the next coefficient, - 21 and add : - 21 + 21 = 0. The remainder is 0.

.

The numbers along the bottom row are the coefficients of the quotient. Start with the power of x that is one less than the degree of the dividend. Thus, the quotient is .