Finding Polynomials with Specific Properties: How Do I Do That?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding two polynomials of degree 3 that satisfy a set of specific conditions related to their values and derivatives at certain points. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving in the context of linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Fred presents a problem requiring the determination of two polynomials, p1 and p2, with specific value and derivative conditions.
  • One participant suggests a general form for the polynomials and indicates that a system of equations will arise from the given conditions.
  • Fred attempts to apply the conditions to derive equations for p1 and p2 but expresses uncertainty about the process.
  • Another participant points out that Fred has more equations than initially recognized and clarifies relationships between the coefficients of the polynomials.
  • Fred revises his equations based on feedback but still appears to have some misunderstandings regarding the formulation.
  • A later response provides a clearer set of equations derived from the conditions, emphasizing the number of unknowns versus equations.
  • Fred shares his proposed solution values for the coefficients of the polynomials and seeks confirmation of their correctness.
  • Another participant notes that Fred has sufficient identities to verify his own solution without needing external validation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants engage in a constructive dialogue with some clarifications and corrections, but no consensus is reached on the correctness of Fred's proposed solution values.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of misunderstandings in the formulation of equations, and the discussion highlights the complexity of the relationships between the coefficients of the polynomials. The number of unknowns exceeds the number of equations derived from the conditions.

Mathman23
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Hi

I got a Linear Algebra question.

I'm suppose to find two polynomials p1 and p2 both of highest degree 3, and which satisfies the following:

p1(-1) = 1

p1'(-1) = 0

p2(1) = 3

p2'(1) = 0

p1(0) = p2(0)

p1'(0) = p2'(0)


I hope that there is somebody out there who can explain to me how I do that ?

Thanks in advance.

Fred
 
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Hint:
If your polynomials are of highest degree 3, they may be written as:
[tex]p_{1}=a_{1}x^{3}+b_{1}x^{2}+c_{1}x+d_{1}[/tex]
[tex]p_{2}=a_{2}x^{3}+b_{2}x^{2}+c_{2}x+d_{2}[/tex]

The letters are the constants you must determine with the aid of the given relations (you will gain a matrix system you''ll need to solve)
 
Thanks for Your answer.

If I understand You correctly.

I take these two polynomials p1 and p1'.

I then insert the terms into the polynomial equations? So I get the following

p1 = a1*(-1)^3 + b2*(-1)^2 + c1*(-1) +d = 1

p1' = 3*a1*(-1)^2 + 2*b1*(-1) +c1 = 0

I use a matrix system to solve these two equations so they satisfy the given conditions?

And then find the variables for p2 ?

Sincerely
Fred
 
you have far more than just those two equations. for instance the last two tell you that d_1=d_2 and c_1=c_2
 
You mean I have these equations:

p1 = a1*(-1)^3 + b1*(-1)^2 + c1*(-1) +d1 = 1

p1' = 3*a2*(-1)^2 + 2*b2*(-1) +c2 = 0

p2 = a1*(1) ^3 +b1 * (1) ^2 + c1*(1) + d1 = 3

p2' = 3*a2*(1)^2 + 2*b2*(-1) +c2 = 0

a1*(0)^3 + b1*(0)^2 + c1*(0) +d1 = a1*(0) ^3 +b1 * (0) ^2 + c1*(0) + d1

3*a2*(0)^2 + 2*b2*(0) +c2 = 3*a2*(0)^2 + 2*b2*(0) +c2

and solve these as one system of equations ?

/Fred
 
not quite since you appear to have several mistakes in there, let us use arildno's notation properly

1=-a_1+b_1-c_1+d_1
from (p_1(-1)=1)

0=3a_1-2b_1+c_1
from (p_1'(-1)=0)

3=a_2+b_2+c_2+d_2
from (p_2(1)=3)

0=3a_2+2b_2+c_2
from (p_2'(1)=0)

d_1=d_2
from (p_1(0)=p_2(0))

c_1=d_1
from (p_1'(0)=p_2'(0))

note you have 8 unkowns and 6 equations
 
okay Thank You.

Fred
 
I get the following solution values:

a1, a2 = -1/2

b1, b2 = 3/2

c1,c2 = 0

d1, d2 = 2

Can anybody tell me if they are correct ?

Thanks again.

Sincerely

Fred
 
But you've all these identities that allow you to check your answer by yourself, you don't need us to verify it.
 

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