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Find the value of m if x + m is a factor of x^2 - 5mx + 3​

User Stussa
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1 Answer

26 votes
26 votes

Answer:

+or- sqrt(3/4)

Explanation:

If x + m is a factor, that means that when x = -m the equation equals 0. Sub -m into x

0 = (-m)^2 - 5m(-m) + 3

0 = m^2 - 5m^2 + 3

0 = -4m^2 + 3

Factorise

0 = -4(m^2 - 3/4)

0 = -4(m + sqrt(3/4))(m - sqrt(3/4))

:. m = +or- sqrt(3/4)

User GoingMyWay
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