If f is a polynomial of degree 3, such that f(0) = f(2) = f(3) = 1 and f(1) = 0, find f(4).
We have the form, ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d
Since f(0) = = 1, then d =1
And we have this system
a(1)^2 + b(1)^2 + c(1) + 1 = 0
a(2)^3 + b(2)^2 + c(2) + 1 = 1
a^(3)^3 + b(3)^2 + c(3) + 1 =1 simplify
a + b + c = -1
8a + 4b + 2c = 0
27a + 9b + 3c = 0
Multiply the first equation by - 2 and add it to the second
Multiply the first equatio by -3 and add it to the third.....this results in :
6a + 2b = 2 → 3a + b = 1 → -6a - 2b = -2 (1)
24a + 6b = 3 → 8a + 2b = 1 (2)
Add (1) and (2) and we have that 2a = -1 → a = -1/2
So 3(-1/2) + b = 1 → -3/2 + b =1 → b = 5/2
And -1/2 + 5/2 + c =-1
2 + c = -1
c =-3
So....the polynomial is f(x) = (-1/2)x^3 + (5/2)x^2 - 3x + 1
And f(4) = (-1/2)4^3 + (5/2)4^2 - 3(4) + 1 = -32 + 40 - 12 + 1 = -3
See the graph here : https://www.desmos.com/calculator/guifyz4nhd