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shameekv1989
If a and -a are the roots of the equation \(2x^3−5x^2−8x+n=0\), what is the value of n?

A. -25
B. -20
C. -10
D. 10
E. 20

Substituting value a and -a in the equation :-
\( 2a^3−5a^2−8a+n=0\) --- i)
\(-2a^3−5a^2+8a+n=0\) ---ii)

Adding -> \(2n = 10a^2\) -> \(n = 5a^2\)

Substituting back in i) \( 2a^3−5a^2−8a+5a^2=0\) -> \( 2a^3−8a=0\) -> a=0; a=2; a=-2

Therefore \(n = 5a^2 = 5*4 = 20\) - Answer - E

The roots are a and -a which means that (x + a) and (x - a) are factors. Let the third factor be (x - R)

\((x - R)(x^2 - a^2) = 2x^3−5x^2−8x+n\)

Now let's compare. We have 2x^3 on RHS so 2 must be a common factor on LHS too.

\(2*(x - R)(x^2 - a^2) = 2x^3−5x^2−8x+n\)

Co-efficient of x^2 on RHS is -5 and on LHS is -2R. So R = 5/2

Co-efficient of x on RHS is -8 and on LHS is -2a^2. So a = 2

The constant term on RHS is n and constant term on LHS is 2Ra^2 = 2*(5/2)*4 = 20

Answer (E)
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