Algebrahard · Past Paper
Find the values of a and b if x^2 - 1 is a factor of ax^4 + bx^3 + 1.
Aa=1, b=0
Ba=-1, b=0
Ca=0, b=1
Da=1, b=1
✓ Correct Answer: B — a=-1, b=0
P(1)=0 => a+b+1=0; P(-1)=0 => a-b+1=0. Solving gives a=-1, b=0.
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