If p-1 is a factor of p^4-p^2-p-k, the value of k is

Mathematics · College · Sun Jan 24 2021

Answered on

Given:

p - 1

p = 1

Determine the value of k from the equation:

p^4 - p^2 - p - k

Solution:

In order to determine the value of k, we simply need to substitute 1 to each value of p.

= p^4 - p^2 - p - k

=(1)^4 - (1)^2 - (1) - k

= 1 - 1 - 1 - k

= -1 - k

Transpose -k to the other side of the equation, hence it must be taken to note that in transposing a number, the sign changes.

k = -1

Final answer:

k = -1