SOLUTION: I'm sorry if this is actually two questions, but any help at all is highly appreciated. Find the cubic polynomial function f(x) that satisfy the given conditions: a. Zeros 1 a

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I'm sorry if this is actually two questions, but any help at all is highly appreciated. Find the cubic polynomial function f(x) that satisfy the given conditions: a. Zeros 1 a      Log On


   

Question 848295: I'm sorry if this is actually two questions, but any help at all is highly appreciated.
Find the cubic polynomial function f(x) that satisfy the given conditions:
a. Zeros 1 and 2

b. f(0)=1 and f(-1)=4
Could someone please explain this to me?
Thanks guys!
Answer by josgarithmetic(39620) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Both conditions are not complete; maybe because the question is intended as open-ended.

(a) indicates that two roots are (x-1) and (x-2). You must have EITHER one more root, OR repeat one of the two listed roots. You have a somewhat not fully determined cubic expression, %28x-1%29%28x-2%29%28x-c%29. For a polynomial, multiply the three binomials, including the variable binomial.

(b) make a choice for your "c". You will need to include a factor, whatever you want to call it, my choice being k.
You have f%28x%29=k%28x-1%29%28x-2%29%28x-c%29 and you make what choice of c that you want. Use the given f values information and solve for k.