Question

If -1 is a zero of the polynomial p(x) = ax³- x²+ x + 4, then find the value of 'a'​

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer to your question is a = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Data

root = -1

Polynomial     p(x) = ax³ - x² + x + 4

Process            

If -1 is a root of the polynomial, then, we must equal the polynomial to zero and substitute -1 and solve it for a.

1.- Equal to zero

                              ax³ - x² + x + 4 = 0

2.- Evaluate in -1

                              a(-1)³ - (-1)² + (-1) + 4 = 0

3.- Simplification

                                    - a -1 - 1 + 4 = 0

                                   -a + 2 = 0

4.-Solve for a

                                     -a = -2

                                      a = 2

Answer 2

Answer:

a = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

-1 is a zero of the polynomial p(x)

means

a(-1)³- (-1)²+ (-1) + 4 = 0

means

-a - 1 - 1 + 4 = 0

means

a = 2