Polynomial functions and their roots

  • Cubic Spin
    problem

    Cubic spin

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

    Mechanical integration

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    To find the integral of a polynomial, evaluate it at some special points and add multiples of these values.
  • Janine's Conjecture
    problem

    Janine's conjecture

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    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?
  • Fibonacci Fashion
    problem

    Fibonacci fashion

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    What have Fibonacci numbers to do with solutions of the quadratic equation x^2 - x - 1 = 0 ?
  • Spinners
    problem

    Spinners

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    How do scores on dice and factors of polynomials relate to each other?
  • Root to Poly
    problem

    Root to poly

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Find the polynomial p(x) with integer coefficients such that one solution of the equation p(x)=0 is $1+\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3$.
  • Poly Fibs
    problem

    Poly fibs

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    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.
  • Exploring cubic functions
    problem

    Exploring cubic functions

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Quadratic graphs are very familiar, but what patterns can you explore with cubics?

  • Curve fitter
    problem

    Curve fitter

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
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    This problem challenges you to find cubic equations which satisfy different conditions.

  • Agile Algebra
    problem

    Agile algebra

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Observe symmetries and engage the power of substitution to solve complicated equations.