If the polynomial 2x³ + ax² + 3x + 5 and x³ + x² + 4x + a

To analyze the relationship between the two polynomials, we first need to compare their degrees and coefficients. The first polynomial, 2x³ + ax² + 3x + 5, is of degree 3, as its highest term is 2x³. Similarly, the second polynomial, x³ + x² + 4x + a, is also of degree 3, indicated by the term .

For these polynomials to be equal for all values of x, their corresponding coefficients must also be equal. Thus, we can equate the coefficients as follows:

  • Coefficient of : 2 must equal 1
  • Coefficient of : a must equal 1
  • Coefficient of x: 3 must equal 4
  • Constant term: 5 must equal a

From the first comparison, we see that 2 does not equal 1, indicating that the two polynomials cannot be equal for any value of x if a is treated as a constant. If we focus only on the values of a, we get:

  • From the second condition, we have a = 1.
  • From the last condition, we have 5 = a, which implies a = 5.

Since a cannot satisfy both conditions simultaneously, we conclude that there is no value of a for which these two polynomials are equal for all x.

More Related Questions