Math Problem Statement

equation for function where f(-4)=f(1)=0; f’(-1.5)=0, f’(x)<0 for x < -1.5; f’(x) > 0 for x >-1.5

Solution

We are given the following information about the function f(x)f(x):

  1. f(4)=0f(-4) = 0 and f(1)=0f(1) = 0, which means the points (4,0)(-4, 0) and (1,0)(1, 0) are roots of the function.
  2. f(1.5)=0f'(-1.5) = 0, meaning f(x)f(x) has a critical point at x=1.5x = -1.5.
  3. f(x)<0f'(x) < 0 for x<1.5x < -1.5, meaning the function is decreasing to the left of x=1.5x = -1.5.
  4. f(x)>0f'(x) > 0 for x>1.5x > -1.5, meaning the function is increasing to the right of x=1.5x = -1.5.

This suggests that f(x)f(x) has a local minimum at x=1.5x = -1.5, since the derivative changes sign from negative to positive at this point. Also, f(x)f(x) is a polynomial with roots at x=4x = -4 and x=1x = 1, and a critical point at x=1.5x = -1.5.

General Form of the Function

Given the information, a cubic function is a good candidate because it can have one local extremum and two roots. So, we assume the function takes the form: f(x)=a(x+4)(x1)(x+1.5)f(x) = a(x + 4)(x - 1)(x + 1.5) where aa is a constant to be determined.

To ensure f(x)f'(x) meets the conditions, we can expand and analyze this expression.

Expansion:

Let's expand the polynomial first and analyze the derivative.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Polynomials
Derivative Analysis

Formulas

Cubic function: f(x) = a(x + 4)(x - 1)(x + 1.5)
First Derivative Test

Theorems

Critical Points and Extrema
Sign of the Derivative for Increasing/Decreasing Behavior

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12