Find the values of p and q such that (x - 1)and (x - 3) are factors of px3 + qx2 + 11x - 6

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Mathematics - 1994 Subject: General Mathematics

Question 1 Report

Find the values of p and q such that (x - 1)and (x - 3) are factors of px3 + qx2 + 11x - 6
Answer Details
Since (x - 1), is a factor, when the polynomial is divided by (x - 1), the remainder = zero
∴ (x - 1) = 0
x = 1
Substitute in the polynomial the value x = 1
= p(1)3 + q(1)2 + 11(1) - 6 = 0
p + q + 5 = 0 .....(i)
Also since x - 3 is a factor, ∴ x - 3 = 0
x = 3
Substitute p(3)3 + q(3)2 + 11(3) - 6 = 0
27p + 9q = -27 ......(2)
Combine eqns. (i) and (ii)
Multiply equation (i) by 9 to eliminate q
9p + 9q = -45
Subt.  27 p + 9 q = − 27 − 18 p = − 18
∴ p = 1

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