If 2 is a zero of the polynomial p(x) = x³ + 3x² − 6x − a, then what is the sum of the squares of the other zeros of the polynomial ?

Since 2 is a zero, p(2) = 8 + 12 − 12 − a = 0, so a = 8. Dividing x³ + 3x² − 6x − 8 by (x − 2) gives x² + 5x + 4 = (x+1)(x+4). So other zeros are −1 and −4. Sum of squares = 1 + 16 = 17. The answer is 17 (option b).