JAMB - Mathematics (2000 - No. 10)

A binary operation * is defined by a * b = a\(^b\). If a * 2 = 2 - a, find the possible values of a.
1, -1
1, 2
2, -2
1, -2

Explanation

a * b = a\(^b\)

a * 2 = a\(^2\) = 2 - a

a\(^2\) + a - 2 = 0

a\(^2\) + 2a - a - 2 = 0

a(a+2) - 1(a+2) = 0

(a-1)(a+2) = 0

a = 1, -2

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