Saw this today and realized I didn't know how to solve it:

A polynomial with nonnegative integer coefficients has P(0) = 3, P(1) = 8, P(2) = 39,
and P(3) = 144. Find P(-2)

Question

Saw this today and realized I didn't know how to solve it:

 A polynomial with nonnegative integer coefficients has P(0) = 3, P(1) = 8, P(2) = 39,
and P(3) = 144.  Find P(-2)

cathyangs · Answer

hm...does it tell you what type of polynomial it is?

cathyangs · Answer

*meaning what the greatest power is.

anonymous · Answer

nope, that was all that the problem had. I deduced it must be degree 4 or less, given p(1) = 8 and p(2) = 39 and all the coefficients have to be positive.

cathyangs · Answer

AHAH! :D I believe it's 8x^3-11x^2+8x+3 :)

cathyangs · Answer

...well was my math right? Or should I check?

cathyangs · Answer

...*dramatic pause* 
*decides to check math.*

anonymous · Answer

haha you wanna show me your work? i know its a lot to type though.

cathyangs · Answer

+_+ 
can I just explain it?

anonymous · Answer

oh wait its non-negative coeffecients
 -11x^2 is a negative coeffecient :(

cathyangs · Answer

X.X.

cathyangs · Answer

I don't see another way that works.

anonymous · Answer

haha its ok.

cathyangs · Answer

sorry T.T I'll give this to my teacher.