To solve this problem, we need to determine the value of P(n+1) for the given polynomial P(x) of degree n such that
P(k)=k+1kfor k=0,1,2,…,n.
Our goal is to express P(x) as:
P(x)=x−n+1x(x−1)⋯(x−n).
This assumes P(x) behaves such that P(k)=k+1k holds for each k.
### Step-by-step Process:
1. Define a new polynomial:
Q(x)=(x+1)P(x)−x
This transformation ensures that:
Q(k)=(k+1)P(k)−k=(k+1)k+1k−k=0
for k=0,1,2,…,n.
2. Thus, Q(x) is a polynomial of degree n+1 with roots 0,1,2,…,n. Therefore,
Q(x)=c(x)(x−1)(x−2)⋯(x−n)
where c is a constant coefficient.
3. Consider the leading term of both sides. Since P(x) is a polynomial of degree n, the polynomial:
(x+1)P(x)=xn+1+lower degree terms
has a leading term equal to xn+1. The polynomial x contributes another x term leading to:
Q(x)=x(x−1)(x−2)⋯(x−n)
4. Evaluate Q(x) at x=n+1. This determines that:
Q(n+1)=c(n+1)⋅n(n−1)⋯1=(−1)n+1c(n+1)!
5. Since Q(x)=x(x−1)⋯(x−n), c=1.
6. Finally, evaluate P(n+1):
Q(n+1)=(n+2)P(n+1)−(n+1)
Since Q(n+1)=(−1)n+1c(n+1)!,
(n+2)P(n+1)−(n+1)=(−1)n+1c(n+1)!
Solving for P(n+1), we get:
(n+2)P(n+1)=(−1)n+1+(n+1)
P(n+1)=n+2(−1)n+1+(n+1)
Hence, the value P(n+1) is:
n+2(−1)n+1+(n+1)