If the polynomial x4 – 6x3 + 16x2 – 25x + 10 is divided by another polynomial x2 – 2x + k, the remainder comes out to be x + a, find k and a.
On dividing x4 – 6x3 + 16x2 – 25x + 10 by x2 – 2x + k
∴ Remainder = (2k - 9)x - (8 - k)k + 10
But the remainder is given as x+ a.
On comparing their coefficients,
2k - 9 = 1
⇒ k = 10
⇒ k = 5 and,
-(8-k)k + 10 = a
⇒ a = -(8 - 5)5 + 10 =- 15 + 10 = -5
Hence, k = 5 and a = -5
