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Mechanical Integration

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
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There is a theory of polynomials which enables you to find the integral of a polynomial by simply evaluating it at some special points and adding certain multiples $\Lambda_1, \Lambda_2,\ldots$ of these values. For example, for all polynomials $q$ of degree less than six, the special points are $-\sqrt{3/5}$, $0$ and $+\sqrt{3/5}$, and $$\int_{-1}^1 q(x)dx = \Lambda_1q(-\sqrt{3/5}) + \Lambda_2q(0) + \Lambda_3q(+\sqrt{3/5}).\quad (1)$$ Find the multiples $\Lambda_1,\ \Lambda_2$ and $\Lambda_3$ by considering the three polynomials $q(x) = 1$, $q(x) = x$ and $q(x) = x^2$.

With these values of $\Lambda_1,\ \Lambda_2$ and $\Lambda_3$ show that the mechanical integration given by equation (1), which uses the values of the polynomial at the three special points, gives the value of the integral of ALL quadratic polynomials.

Now go on to show that the same formula gives the integral of ALL cubic, quartic and quintic polynomials.

Does the formula (1) hold for $q(x)=x^6$?
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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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