Which operation is performed first in long division of polynomials?

In long division of polynomials, the first operation performed is the division of the leading term (first term) of the dividend by the leading term of the divisor. This step is crucial because it determines the first term of the quotient. By dividing the leading terms, you can establish how many times the divisor fits into the dividend at that highest degree, which sets the stage for the remaining steps in the long division process.

Once the first term of the quotient is determined, the next steps involve multiplying the entire divisor by that leading term, subtracting this product from the original polynomial (the dividend), and then bringing down the next term to continue the process. This systematic approach guides you through simplifying the polynomial division effectively.