Polynomial functions and their roots

  • More Polynomial Equations
    problem

    More Polynomial Equations

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3
    Find relationships between the polynomials a, b and c which are polynomials in n giving the sums of the first n natural numbers, squares and cubes respectively.
  • Cubic Spin
    problem

    Cubic Spin

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3
    Prove that the graph of f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 +9x +1 has rotational symmetry. Do graphs of all cubics have rotational symmetry?
  • Janine's Conjecture
    problem

    Janine's Conjecture

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    Janine noticed, while studying some cube numbers, that if you take three consecutive whole numbers and multiply them together and then add the middle number of the three, you get the middle number. Does this always work? Can you prove or disprove this conjecture?

  • Agile Algebra
    problem

    Agile Algebra

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Observe symmetries and engage the power of substitution to solve complicated equations.

  • Patterns of inflection
    problem

    Patterns of Inflection

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Find the relationship between the locations of points of inflection, maxima and minima of functions.

  • Polynomial interpolation
    problem

    Polynomial Interpolation

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3

    Can you fit polynomials through these points?

  • Real(ly) numbers
    problem

    Real(ly) Numbers

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    If x, y and z are real numbers such that: x + y + z = 5 and xy + yz + zx = 3. What is the largest value that any of the numbers can have?

  • Fibonacci Fashion
    problem

    Fibonacci Fashion

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    What have Fibonacci numbers to do with solutions of the quadratic equation x^2 - x - 1 = 0 ?

  • Poly Fibs
    problem

    Poly Fibs

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    A sequence of polynomials starts 0, 1 and each poly is given by combining the two polys in the sequence just before it. Investigate and prove results about the roots of the polys.

  • Interpolating polynomials
    problem

    Interpolating Polynomials

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Given a set of points (x,y) with distinct x values, find a polynomial that goes through all of them, then prove some results about the existence and uniqueness of these polynomials.