SOLUTION: How do you main the leading coefficient of the polynomial: P(x)=A(x+1)^2(x-1)^3(x-2) I know the Y-intercept is P(0)=-2 but what do I after that? Thanks

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: How do you main the leading coefficient of the polynomial: P(x)=A(x+1)^2(x-1)^3(x-2) I know the Y-intercept is P(0)=-2 but what do I after that? Thanks      Log On


   

Question 959484: How do you main the leading coefficient of the polynomial:
P(x)=A(x+1)^2(x-1)^3(x-2)
I know the Y-intercept is P(0)=-2 but what do I after that?
Thanks
Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
P has one real number factor and a few binomial factors; and each binomial factor has leading coefficient of 1. The leading coefficient for P will simply be A.

You can try to fully multiply the right member and adjust into general form but the effort is unnecessary.

You want to FIND the value for A?
You have P(0)=-2, so just substitute and equate.
-2=A%280%2B1%29%5E2%280-1%29%5E3%280-2%29
You can solve this for A.