For a real number a, let Which of the following statements are true?
2026
For a real number a, let

Which of the following statements are true?
- A.
The value of I(a) is independent of the value of a
- B.
The value of I(a) can vary with the value of a
- C.
There exists a such that I(a) is positive
- D.
There exists a such that I(a) is negative
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A, C
I(a) = ∫ from -1 to 1 (3x² - ax + 1) dx. Split the integral: ∫3x² dx - a∫x dx + ∫1 dx over [-1, 1]. The middle term is 0 because x is an odd function on a symmetric interval. Therefore I(a) = [x³] from -1 to 1 + [x] from -1 to 1 = (1 - (-1)) + (1 - (-1)) = 2 + 2 = 4. Hence I(a) is independent of a and is always positive. The true statements are options 1 and 3.
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