If - 1 is zero of polynomial p (x) = ax square - 3 (a-1) x-1 then find the value of a.

a = 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Since x = - 1 is a zero of p (x) then p ( - 1) = 0

Substitute x = - 1 into p (x)

p ( - 1) = a ( - 1) ² - 3 (a - 1) ( - 1) - 1 = 0, that is

a + 3 (a - 1) - 1 = 0

a + 3a - 3 - 1 = 0

4a - 4 = 0 (add 4 to both sides)

4a = 4 (divide both sides by 4)

a = 1