SOLUTION: The slope of the tangent line to the graph of a cubic polynomial is -24 at two different points: (-2,79) and (1,-20). Determine the equation of the cubic polynomial.

Algebra.Com
Question 1122638: The slope of the tangent line to the graph of a cubic polynomial is -24 at two different points: (-2,79) and (1,-20). Determine the equation of the cubic polynomial.
Found 2 solutions by josmiceli, ikleyn:
Answer by josmiceli(19441)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Express the polynomial as:

The slope at any point is

——————————-
( -2, 79 )


and


———————————————-
(1,-20)


and


—————————
You have 4 equations with 4 unknowns,
So solve by any means you want


Answer by ikleyn(52776)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

        The solution by  @josmicely  is  TOTALLY  and  ABSOLUTELY  wrong.

        Below find the correct solution.


We are going to find the numerical values of four coefficients a, b, c and d of the polynomial of the third degree y = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d.


Equation 1.


    I will derive this equation from the condition that the point (-2,79) lies on the graph, i.e. satisfies the equation

    a*(-2)^3 + b*(-2)^2  + c*(-2) + d = 79,   or

    -8a + 4b -2c + d = 79.          (1)



Equation 2.


    I will derive this equation from the condition that the point (1,-20) lies on the graph, i.e. satisfies the equation

    a*1^3 + b*1^2  + c*1 + d = -20,   or

    a + b + c + d = -20.            (2)



Equation 3.


    I will derive this equation from the condition that the slope at the point (-2,79) is -24.

    Since the first derivative is y'(x) = 3ax^2 + 2bx + c,  the equation for the slope is

    3a*(-2)^2 + 2b*(-2)  + c = -24,   or

    12a - 4b + c = -24.             (3)



Equation 4.


    I will derive this equation from the condition that the slope at the point (1,-20) is -24.

    Similarly to equation 3 case,  the equation for the slope is

    3a*1^2 + 2b*1  + c = -24,   or

    3a + 2b + c = -24.               (4)



So, your system of equations is  

     -8a + 4b -2c + d =  79         (1)
       a +  b + c + d = -20         (2)
     12a - 4b + c     = -24         (3)
      3a + 2b + c     = -24.        (4)


Next, use some technique or technology to solve it.

Probably, your hand calculator may help.


I use an online free of charge matrix equation solver

https://matrix.reshish.com/gauss-jordanElimination.php


I recommend you to get familiar with it.


To complete your assignment, input the augmented matrix into the solver and press the "Solve" button.


RELATED QUESTIONS

Suppose that A, B, C, and D are constants and f is the cubic polynomial... (answered by Fombitz)
The graph shows the pair of points at (-4,-2) and (-1,-1). Determine the slope of the... (answered by tutorcecilia)
1.Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) = x4 –3x at the point where the (answered by stanbon)
Find the slope and the equation of the tangent line to the graph of the function at the... (answered by MathLover1,greenestamps)
Please help me solve this problem: Let f be a quadratic function. The slope of the... (answered by Fombitz)
With the given parabola and slope of a line that is tangent to the parabola, find the... (answered by stanbon)
Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at the given point. f(x) (answered by math_helper)
Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at the given point.... (answered by jim_thompson5910)
Find the points on the graph y=7x/x-2 where the slope of the tangent line is parallel to... (answered by rothauserc,greenestamps)