If 2 is a zero of the polynomial f(x) = ax² − 3(a − 1)x − 1, then the value of a is

Explanation

Since 2 is a zero of f(x) = ax² − 3(a − 1)x − 1, substitute x = 2: 4a − 6(a − 1) − 1 = 0. Thus, 4a − 6a + 6 − 1 = 0, so −2a + 5 = 0 and a = 5/2.