If (p(x)=x+a) and (p(6)=0), what is (a)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: -6
Given p(6)=0, substitute x=6 in p(x)=x+a. This gives p(6)=6+a, so 6+a=0 and hence a=-6. If a were 6, then p(6) would be 12, not 0. Exam tip: on substituting a zero of a polynomial, the polynomial value must be 0.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
-6
Why is this the correct answer?
Given p(6)=0, substitute x=6 in p(x)=x+a. This gives p(6)=6+a, so 6+a=0 and hence a=-6. If a were 6, then p(6) would be 12, not 0. Exam tip: on substituting a zero of a polynomial, the polynomial value must be 0.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Introduction to Polynomials. Topic: Linear polynomials.
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