divide checks if the polynomial b divides a over the rationals. If so, true is returned; otherwise false is returned.

If the division is successful and there is a third argument 'q', then the value of the quotient is assigned to q. In the case of an unsuccessful division the name q will not be affected.

$\mathrm{divide}\left(x^3+5x-1\,x+1\,'q'\right)$

$\mathrm{false}$

$q$

$q$

$\mathrm{divide}\left(x^3-y^3\,x-y\,'q'\right)$

$\mathrm{true}$

$q$

$x^2+yx+y^2$