Polynomial of Degree 2 through Given Points

[frasifrasi]

Linear Algebra Question...

So, the professor assigned this problem even though the book never touches on it whatsoever. I have no clud how to do it, so I would appreciate if anyone can describe the process of demonstrate.

Q. Find the polynomial of degree 2 whose graph goes through points (1,-1), (2,3), and (3,13).

Thank you for the help!

 

[Dick]

A polynomial of degree 2 is a*x^2+b*x+c=y. Substitute your three points and you get three linear equation in the variables a,b,c. Solve the system.

 

[rootX]

See the section where it talks about AX = 0, and about homogeneous trivial solutions (or non-trivial).
I strongly think that it would have something about this question in that section.

 

[frasifrasi]

Dick, I think you got it...I will try it.

Should I solve for it by making it in rref ?