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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
The number of cubic polynomials P(x) satisfying P(1)=2, P(2)=4, P(3)=6, P(4)=8 is

 
MathematicsQuadratic EquationKVPYKVPY 2019 (SA)
Options:
  • A 0
  • B 1
  • C more than one but finitely many

     
  • D infinitely many
Solution:
2923 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 0

Let the equation of a cubic polynomial

P(x)=ax3+bx2+cx+d



Now,



P(1)=a+b+c+d=2



P(2)=8a+4b+2c+d=4



P(3)=27a+9b+3c+d=6 P(4)=64a+16b+4c+d=8



From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get

7a+3b+c=2

From Eqs. (ii) and (iii), we get

 19 a+5 b+c=2 

From Eqs. (iii) and (iv), we get

 37 a+7 b+c=2 

Now, from Eqs. (v) and (vi), we get

12a+2b=0  

and from Eqs. (vi) and (vii), we get

18 a+2 b=0 

From Eqs. (viii) and (ix), we get

a=0 and b=0c=2 and d=0

So, P(x)=2 x

no cubic polynomial is possible.


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