Question

If 1 is the zero of polynomial p(x) x2a- 3xa+3x2-1 find the value of a

Answer 1

The value of a can be obtained by substituting 1 to the equation and equating p(1) = 0.

p(x) = x2a - 3xa + 3x2 -1

p(1) = a - 3a +3 -1 = 0

therefore a =1

the equation now becomes p(x) = x2 - 3x + 3x2 -1