Question

If (x + a) is a factor of the polynomial 2x² + 2ax + 5x + 10, find the value of a.

Answer 1

Given: (x + a) is a factor of polynomial 2x² + 2ax + 5x + 10.

So, we have

x + a = 0

or x = –a , will satisfy the given polynomial.

Therefore, we will have

2 (–a)² + 2a(–a) + 5(–a) + 10 = 0

2a² –2a² – 5a + 10 = 0

– 5a = – 10

a = 2

The value of a is 2.