well...
(x - a)^3 + b... mmm
since x = 1 is a zero,
(1 - a)^3 + b = 0
1 - 3a + 3a^2 - a^3 + b = 0 ... Q
now, when divided by x, the remainder is -7
by division of polynomials,
[ (x - a)^3 + b ] / x = S(x) - a^3 + b, where S(x) is another is the quotient.
clearly, the remainder is R(x) = - a^3 + b = -7 ... W
now, Q - W :
1 - 3a + 3a^2 = 7
3a^2 -3a - 6 = 0
a^2 - a - 2 = 0
( a + 1 ) ( a - 2) = 0
therefore,
a = -1, b = -8
or
a = 2, b = 1
mmm...i think dats right...well, dats wat i got so i hope dats rite...keke
does this help joe...hehe