Write the polynomial in descending powers, using zeros for any missing terms
Identify the value of the divisor in the form x – c, so c is the number used in synthetic division
Write c on the left and the polynomial coefficients in a row
Bring down the first coefficient
Multiply that number by c and write the result under the next coefficient
Add the column values
Repeat the multiply and add steps across the row
Use the final number as the remainder
Read the other numbers as the coefficients of the quotient
Write the quotient using one degree less than the original polynomial
If needed, write the remainder as a fraction over the divisor