Let be a real polynomial of least degree which has a local maximum at and a local minimum at . If and , then is
Answer: 9
Solution
Since has local extrema at and , we have . The polynomial of least degree is cubic. Let . Integrating: .
From : , so .
From : , so .
Therefore, , giving .
Thus, , and .
From : , so .
From : , so .
Therefore, , giving .
Thus, , and .
JEE Advanced · 2012 · 08 Apr 2012 · Paper 1 · Integer answer