Divide the following polynomial using synthetic division:

(5x 3 - 12x 2 - 36x - 16) (x + 2)

I'm clueless on how to do this ...

To do synthetic division, you take the number from the (x+#) and place it on the outside (you'll see what I mean soon). However, it'll be the opposite of the number so in this case it'll be negative 2 instead of positive 2. Afterwards, bring down the rest of the numbers; ignore the exponents and variables.

Here's how to set the synthetic division up.

-2 | 5 - 12 - 36 - 16

1. Bring down the 5 so that you have something to begin with.

2. Multiply 5 by - 2., which is - 10.

3. Add - 12 and - 10, which gives you - 22.

4. Repeat steps; this time multiplying - 22 by - 2.