If `x=-1/2` is a zero of the polynomial `p(x)=8x^3-a x^2-x+2,` find the value of `a`

Explanation

To find the value of \( a \) in the polynomial \( p(x) = 8x^3 - ax^2 - x + 2 \) given that \( x = -\frac{1}{2} \) is a zero, we follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Substitute \( x = -\frac{1}{2} \) into the polynomial**:
\[ p\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right) = 8\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 - a\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 - \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right) + 2 \]
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