SOLUTION: If f(x) = x^4 + ax^3 - 3x^2 - 2ax + a^2 is a perfect square and has a factor of (x+2), find the value of a. Use this value of a to obtain square root of f(x) in factored form.

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Question 974022: If f(x) = x^4 + ax^3 - 3x^2 - 2ax + a^2 is a perfect square and has a factor of (x+2), find the value of a. Use this value of a to obtain square root of f(x) in factored form.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Some help but not the whole solution:

The factor x+2 would occur twice. Expect that the remainder when x^2+4x+2 is used as the divisor in polynomial division will be 0. Equating whatever expression occurs for the remainder to 0 should give you an equation to solve for a.