factor theorem

Let us solve problem using factor theorem

Find a so that x⁴+2x³-ax²+x-2 has (x+2) as its factor.
Let p(x) = x⁴+2x³-ax²+x-2

When p(x) is divided by x+2 [x- (-2)],

R = p(-2)

= (-2)⁴+2(-2)³-a(-2)²-2-2

= 16-16-4a-4

= -4a - 4

As (x+2) is a factor, R=0

-4a - 4 = 0

a = -1
In our next blog we shall learn about examples of mixtures I hope the above explanation was useful.Keep reading and leave your comments.