If $f : \mathbb R \rightarrow \mathbb R $ such that $f(x^2+x)+2f(x^2-3x+2) = 9x^2-15x$. Find $f(2016)$.

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Determine all $f : \mathbb R \rightarrow \mathbb R $ such that $$f(x^2+x)+2f(x^2-3x+2) = 9x^2-15x$$ for all $x$. Find $f(2016)$.

Similar problem appeared on this site before: $f(x^2 + x)+2f(x^2 – 3x + 2)=9x^2 – 15x$ then find $f(2016)$. (The question is now deleted.) The same problem with finding $2011$ (instead of $2016$) appeared in 2011 Singapore Mathematical Olympiad as problem 17 (Wayback Machine).

I’ve tried put $x=0,1$ and got \begin{align*}
f(0)+2f(2)&=0\\
f(2)+2f(0)&=-6
\end{align*}

which gives me $f(0)=-4$, $f(2)=2$.

Similarly, if we notice that $x^2+x=x^2-3x+2$ holds for $x=\frac12$, we can find the value at the point $\frac34=\left(\frac12\right)^2+\frac12$.

But the above doesn’t seem to help for other values.

Thank you very much for helping.

Best Answer

Replace $x$ by $1-x$ and then you can see how the equation transforms (I'll let you see it yourself). Then you solve the equations. Tell me if you need more help.

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