If the value of the polynomial x2 − 6x + 8 at x = a is −1, then what is the value of a?
3
The given polynomial is f(x) = x2 − 6x + 8.
It is given that f(a) = −1.
At x = a, f(a) = a2 − 6a + 8.
∴f(a) = −1
⇒ a2 − 6a + 8 = −1
⇒ a2 − 6a + 8 + 1 = 0
⇒ a2 − 6a + 9 = 0
⇒ a2 − 2 ×a × 3+ 32 = 0
⇒ (a − 3)2 = 0 [a2 − 2ab + b2 = (a − b)2]
⇒ a − 3 = 0
⇒ a = 3
Thus, the value of a is 3.