1. Express the derivative $f'(x)$ using the given stationary points.
Since f(x) is a cubic polynomial, its derivative f′(x) is a quadratic polynomial. Stationary values occur at x=−2 and x=1, so these are the roots of f′(x)=0.
f′(x)=k(x+2)(x−1)
f′(x)=k(x2+x−2)
2. Integrate $f'(x)$ to find the general form of $f(x)$.
f(x)=∫k(x2+x−2)dx
f(x)=k(3x3+2x2−2x)+c
3. Substitute the given points to form a system of simultaneous equations.
Substitute f(2)=6:
k(38+24−4)+c=6
32k+c=6— (1)
Substitute f(−1)=15:
k(−31+21−2(−1))+c=15
613k+c=15— (2)
4. Solve the equations for $k$ and $c$, then write the final expression for $f(x)$.
Subtract (1) from (2):
(613−64)k=15−6
69k=9⟹k=6
Substitute k=6 into (1):
32(6)+c=6
4+c=6⟹c=2
Thus,
f(x)=6(3x3+2x2−2x)+2
f(x)=2x3+3x2−12x+2
答案f(x)=2x3+3x2−12x+2