[Math] Find equation of cubic from turning points

calculuscubics

If I have a cubic where I know the turning points, can I find what its equation is?

I already know that the derivative is 0 at the turning points. Other than that, I'm not too sure how I can continue.

Suppose I have the turning points (-2,5) and (4,0). I have started doing the following:
$$
\frac{dy}{dx} = 0 \text{ at turning points}\\
\text{So, } 0 = (x+2)(x-4)\\
$$

$$
\int (x+2)(x-4) dx\\
= \int x^2-2x-8 dx\\
= \frac{x^3}{3} – x^2 – 8x + C
$$

Graphing this, you get correct $x$ coordinates at the turning points, but not correct $y$.

I'm aware that only with that information you can't tell how steep the cubic will be, but you should at least be able to find some sort of equation.

Finally, would a $y$-intercept be helpful? If so, then suppose for the above example that the $y$-intercept is 4.

Best Answer

Welcome! You simply forgot that having the turning points provides the derivative up to a nonzero constant factor, i.e. $$y'(x)=K(x+2)(x-4),\quad K\in \mathbf R^*, \quad \text{ whence }\;y(x)=K\biggl(\frac{x^3}3 -x^2-8x\biggr)+C.$$ You now have two constants to adjust the ordinates.

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