can someone please explain synthetic division to me?

Question

It's just a specialized way to divide a polynomial by a linear factor using long division. I don't see the reason why anyone would want to learn this technique, because it's just long division.

If you type "synthetic division" in google you'll find websites explaining the technique in detail.

It is like long division, but with algebraic polynomials instead of numbers. I'd need a graphics whiteboard to illustrate it. I suggest you read one of the online explanations such as
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/synthdiv.htm

So is it any different than long division? I just wanted someone to explain it because we are studying it in algebra and the exa,moples weren't making sense to me. Thank you.