Answer:
a=3
b=2
Step-by-step explanation:
P(x) = ax^2 + bx + 1
P(1)= 6
6= a(1)^2 + b(1) +1
6 = a +b+1
6-1 = a+b
5 = a+b
P(-1) = 2
2 = a( -1)^2 + b(-1) +1
2 = a(1) -b +1
2-1 = a-b
1 = a+b
We have 2 equations and 2 unknowns
Add the two equations together
5 = a+b
1 = a-b
----------------
6 = 2a
Divide by 2
6/2 = 2a/2
3 =a
Now find b
5 =a+b
5 =3+b
Subtract 3 from each side
5-3 =3+b-3
2=b
