Why do we use variables and what's the significance of using a variable ?

A variable is a letter that represents any number. Therefore, variables are often used to represent unknown numbers.

In algebra, variables are used very often to put as place holders until we find out what that number is. It's important to understand that variables can be different numbers in each problem.

(x3 + 6x2 + 2x - 6) • (x - 1)

step-by-step explanation:

polynomial long division :

3.2     polynomial long division

dividing :   x4+5x3-4x2-8x+6

                              ("dividend")

by         :     x-1     ("divisor")

dividend     x4   +   5x3   -   4x2   -   8x   +   6

- divisor   * x3     x4   -   x3            

remainder         6x3   -   4x2   -   8x   +   6

- divisor   * 6x2         6x3   -   6x2        

remainder             2x2   -   8x   +   6

- divisor   * 2x1             2x2   -   2x    

remainder               -   6x   +   6

- divisor   * -6x0               -   6x   +   6

remainder                     0

quotient :   x3+6x2+2x-6   remainder:   0