Question

For what value of a, a polynomial in standard form, equivalent to the product of (x^2+x–1)(x–a), does not contain: x

Answer 1

Answer: a=x, then polynomial is zero.

a = x - 1/(x^2+x-1), then polynomial is one, but we have to note (x^2+x-1) != 0.

Step-by-step explanation:

The polynomial product is identically zero when a = x, since factor (x-a) becomes zero. Another way for a polynomial to not contain x is if it is a constant not zero. For example,

(x-a) = 1/(x^2+x-1)

a = x - 1/(x^2+x-1)

Substitute a = x - 1/(x^2+x-1) into

(x^2+x-1)(x-a) = (x^2+x-1)/(x^2+x-1) = 1.