Question

which term is missing in this problem?
$2x^3 + 5x^2 + 9 + $
$\overline{x + 3}$
options: $x^4$, $x$, $x^2$, $x^3$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify polynomial degree order

A polynomial in long division should be written in descending order of exponents. The given numerator has terms $2x^4$, $5x^2$, $9$, and the denominator is $x+3$.

Step2: List missing exponent

The exponents present are 4, 2, 0 (for the constant 9). The missing exponent between 4 and 2 is 3, so the missing term is $x^3$.

Answer:

$\boldsymbol{x^3}$