Step 1 :Given the polynomial \(P(x) = x^4 - 2x^3 + ax + b\), we know that it has a remainder of 3 when divided by \((x-1)\) and a remainder of -5 when divided by \((x+1)\).
Step 2 :Using the Remainder Theorem, we can find the values of a and b by evaluating the polynomial at x = 1 and x = -1:
Step 3 :\(P(1) = 1^4 - 2(1)^3 + a(1) + b = 3\)
Step 4 :\(P(-1) = (-1)^4 - 2(-1)^3 + a(-1) + b = -5\)
Step 5 :Solving the system of equations, we get:
Step 6 :\(a + b - 1 = 3\)
Step 7 :\(-a + b + 3 = -5\)
Step 8 :Solving for a and b, we find that \(a = 6\) and \(b = -2\).
Step 9 :\(\boxed{a = 6, b = -2}\)