SOLUTION: find a formula for the least degree through the points (-4,0),(-2,-2),(1,0)

Algebra ->  College  -> Linear Algebra -> SOLUTION: find a formula for the least degree through the points (-4,0),(-2,-2),(1,0)      Log On


   

Question 1058856: find a formula for the least degree through the points (-4,0),(-2,-2),(1,0)
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, KMST:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
find a formula for the least degree through the points (-4,0),(-2,-2),(1,0)
--------
What does that mean?

Answer by KMST(5328) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Three points not on a straight line define a quadratic function.
Since we have two zeros of the function, we know it is not linear,
so the factories form must be
f%28x%29=a%28x%2B4%29%28x-1%29
For x=-2 we must have f%28-2%29=-2 , so
a%28-2%2B4%29%28-2-1%29=-2
a%2A2%2A%28-3%29=-2
-6a=-2
a=%28-2%29%2F%28-6%29
a=1%2F3
So the function is
f%28x%29=%281%2F3%29%28x%2B4%29%28x-1%29 .