Question

If x-2 is a factor of p(x)=x^3-2ax^2+ax-1 find the value of a

Answer 1

x - 2 is factor of p ( x )

x = 2 will also the factor of p ( x )

When we put value of x in p ( x ) we get Zero.

x³ - 2ax² + ax - 1 = 0

8 - 8a + 2a - 1 = 0

7 - 6a = 0

6a = 7

a = 7/6

Answer 2

x-2=0
x=2
p(2)=2^3+-2a*2+2a-1
since it is a factor so it has 0 remainder
so
0=8-4a+2a-1

0 =7-2a
a=3.5