Polynomial Curve Fitting In Exercises 112, (a) determine the polynomial function whose graph passes through the points, and (b) sketch the graph of the polynomial function, showing the points. (2, 5), (3, 2), (4, 5)
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Textbook Solutions for Elementary Linear Algebra
Question
Proof Generalizing the statement in Exercise 39, if a polynomial function
\(p(x)=a_{0}+a_{1} x+\cdots+a_{n-1} x^{n-1}\)
is zero for more than n - 1 x-values, then
\(a_{0}=a_{1}=\cdots=a_{n-1}=0\).
Use this result to prove that there is at most one polynomial function of degree n - 1 (or less) whose graph passes through n points in the plane with distinct x-coordinates.
Text Transcription:
p(x)=a_0+a_1 x+...+a_n-1 x^n-1
a_0=a_1=...=a_n-1=0.
Solution
The first step in solving 1.3 problem number 40 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Proof Generalizing the statement in Exercise 39, if a polynomial function\(p(x)=a_{0}+a_{1} x+\cdots+a_{n-1} x^{n-1}\)is zero for more than n - 1 x-values, then\(a_{0}=a_{1}=\cdots=a_{n-1}=0\).Use this result to prove that there is at most one polynomial function of degree n - 1 (or less) whose graph passes through n points in the plane with distinct x-coordinates.Text Transcription:p(x)=a_0+a_1 x+...+a_n-1 x^n-1a_0=a_1=...=a_n-1=0.
From the textbook chapter Applications of Systems of Linear Equations you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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