Write down three linear factors of f(x) such that the curve of f(x) crosses the x axis at x=0.5,3,4. Hence find the equation of the curve in the form y = 2(x^3) + a(x^2) + bx + c.

the curve crosses the graph at the x axis at 0.5,3 and -4 so f(0.5)=0, f(3)=0,f(-4)=0. All linear factors are the form of g(x)=(x-a) so 0=g(0.5)=0.5-a. rearranging we get that a=0.5 ie g(x)=x-0.5 similarly the other linear factors are (x-3),(x+4) so f(x) is the product of three linear factors and so f(x)=(x-0.5)(x-3)(x+4) expanding f(x)=(x-0.5)[(x-3)(x+4)] =(x-0.5)[x(x+4)-3(x+4)] =(x-0.5)[x2+4x-3x-12] =(x-0.5)(x2+x-12)  =x(x2+x-12)-0.5(x2+x-12)  =x3+x2-12x-0.5x2-0.5x+6 =x3+0.5x2-12.5x+6   now we can multiply the coeffiecient by 2 to get the desired form f(x)=2x3+x2-25x+12    

KT
Answered by Kishan T. Maths tutor

6610 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the coordinates of the minimum point on the curve: y = x^2 - x - 2


A quantity N is increasing with respect to time, t. It is increasing in such a way that N = ae^(bt) where a and b are constants. Given when t = 0, N = 20, and t = 8, N = 60, find the value: of a and b, and of dN/dt when t = 12


Use the substitution u=3+(x+4)^1/2 to find the integral of 1/(3+(x+4)^1/2) dx between 0 and 5.


Differentiate The Following function


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning