A complex number a≠-1 is the root of an equation x
3+1=0.
Find 1+2a+3a2+4a3+5a4.
(In reply to
Another way by Larry)
I like the first half, but we don't need to get into the nitty-gritty introducing the complex roots.
Starting from 3(a^2-a-1).
Factor a^3+1=0 into (a+1)(a^2-a+1)=0. Since we are given a!=-1 then a^2-a+1=0.
Now 3(a^2-a-1)
= 3((a^2-a+1)-2)
= 3(0-2) = -6.