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

6606 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Line AB has the equation 3x + 5y = 7. Find the gradient of Line AB.


A circle is given by the equation x^2+y^2-20x-24y+195=0. Draw this circle.


When integrating, why do we add a constant to the resulting equation?


A block of mass 5kg is at rest on a smooth horizontal table, and connected to blocks of 3kg and 4kg which are hanging by strings via pulleys on either end of the table. Find the acceleration of the system and the tension in each string.


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