Write the polynomial of degree $4$ with $x$ intercepts of $(\frac{1}{2},0), (6,0)$ and $(-2,0)$ and $y$ intercept of $(0,18)$.

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Write the polynomial of degree $4$ with $x$ intercepts of $(\frac{1}{2},0), (6,0) $ and $ (-2,0)$ and $y$ intercept of $(0,18)$.
The root ($\frac{1}{2},0)$ has multiplicity $2$.

I am to write the factored form of the polynomial with the above information. I get:

$f(x)=-6\big(x-\frac{1}{2}\big)^2(x+2)(x-6)$

Whereas the provided solution is:

$f(x)=-\frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^2(x+2)(x-6)$

Here's my working:

Write out in factored form:

$f(x) = a\big(x-\frac{1}{2}\big)^2(x+2)(x-6)$

I know that $f(0)=18$ so:

$$18 = a\big(-\frac{1}{2}\big)^2(2)(-6)$$

$$18 = a\big(\frac{1}{4}\big)(2)(-6)$$

$$18 = -3a$$

$$a = -6$$

Thus my answer:
$f(x)=-6\big(x-\frac{1}{2}\big)^2(x+2)(x-6)$

Where did I go wrong and how can I arrive at:

$f(x)=-\frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^2(x+2)(x-6)$ ?

Best Answer

Both forms are equivalent: $$ -6(x-\frac{1}{2})^2(x+2)(x-6)\\ =-\frac{3}{2}\cdot 2^2(x-\frac{1}{2})^2(x+2)(x-6)\\ =-\frac{3}{2}(2(x-\frac{1}{2}))^2(x+2)(x-6)\\ =-\frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^2(x+2)(x-6) $$