Answer:
The answer to your question is a = 2
Explanation:
Data
root = -1
Polynomial p(x) = ax³ - x² + x + 4
Process
If -1 is a root of the polynomial, then, we must equal the polynomial to zero and substitute -1 and solve it for a.
1.- Equal to zero
ax³ - x² + x + 4 = 0
2.- Evaluate in -1
a(-1)³ - (-1)² + (-1) + 4 = 0
3.- Simplification
- a -1 - 1 + 4 = 0
-a + 2 = 0
4.-Solve for a
-a = -2
a = 2