Question

If (x-2) is a factor of x^3-3x^4-ax^3+3ax^2+2ax-4 find the value of a

Answer 1

p(x)=x^3-3x^4-ax^3+3ax^2+2ax-4.

p(2)=(2)^3-3(2)^4-a(2)^3+3a(2)^2+2a(2)-4.

0(as x-2 is a factor)=8-48-8a+12a+4a-4.

0=-44+8a.

8a=44.

a=44/8.

a=5.5

Thus,the value of a is 5.5