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GeoGebraGeoGebra Classroom

Solving a system of equations

Task

Find a polynomial function of degree three featuring the saddle point (1, 1), as well as the point (2, 2).

Instructions

1.In the Input Bar, define the function f(x):= a x^3 + b x^2 + c x + d.
2. pAccording to the task, the function value at x=1 is 1. Enter p: f(1) = 1; and press the Enter key. Hints: The input ":" names your equation, while the semicolon “;” suppresses the output.
3. qWe also know that the function value at x=2 is 2. Enter q: f(2) = 2; into the Input Bar.
4. rSince (1, 1) is a saddle point, the first derivative equals 0 at x=1. Enter r: f'(1) = 0; Hint: The derivative of f can be written as f'.
5. sWe also know that the second derivative equals 0 at x=1. Enter s: f''(1) = 0;
6.Toolbar ImageSelect rows two through five with your pointer and apply the Solve tool.
Hints:
  • Press and hold the Ctrl-key while clicking onto the corresponding row numbers to select several rows at the same time.
  • You can achieve the very same by using the Solve command instead: Solve({p, q, r, s}, {a, b, c, d})
7.SubstituteEnter Substitute($1, $6) into the Input Bar and press the Enter key. Note: You just substituted the undefined variables in the formula of f ($1) with the solutions you just calculated ($6).
8.Activate the disabled Visibility button below row number 7 to plot the function in the Graphics View.

Try it yourself...