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# How to Pursue Mathematics after High School?

For Students who are passionate for Mathematics and want to pursue it for higher studies in India and abroad.

This is a very beautiful sample problem from ISI MStat PSB 2012 Problem 2 based on calculus . Let's give it a try !!

## Problem- ISI MStat PSB 2012 Problem 2

Let $f$ be a polynomial. Assume that $f(0)=1, \lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} f''(x)=4$ and $f(x) \geq f(1)$ for all $x \in \mathbb{R} .$ Find $f(2)$ .

Limit

Derivative

Polynomials

## Solution :

Here given $f(x)$ is a polynomial and $\lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} f''(x)=4$

So, Case 1: If f(x) is a polynomial of degree 1 then f''(x)=0 hence limit can't be 4.

Case 2: If f(x) is a polynomial of degree 2 ,say $f(x) = ax^2+bx+c$ then $f''(x)= 2a$ .Hence taking limit we get $2a=4 \Rightarrow a=2$

Case 3: If f(x) is a polynomial of degree >2 then $f''(x) = O(x)$ . So, it tends to infinity or - infinity as x tends to infinity .

Therefore the only case that satisfies the condition is Case 2 .

So , f(x) = $2x^2+bx+c$ ,say . Now given that $f(0)=1 \Rightarrow c=1$ .

Again , it is given that $f(x) \geq f(1)$ for all $x \in \mathbb{R}$ which implies that f(x) has minimum at x=1 .

That is f'(x)=0 at x=1 . Here we have $f'(x)=4x+b=0 \Rightarrow x=\frac{-b}{4}=1 \Rightarrow b=-4$

Thus we get $f(x)=2x^2-4x+1$ . Putting x=2 , we get $f(2)=1$ .

## Food For Thought

Assume f is differentiable on $(a, b)$ and is continuous on $[a, b]$ with $f(a)=f(b)=0$. Prove that for every real $\lambda$ there is some c in $(a, b)$ such that $f'(c)=\lambda f(c)$.

## What to do to shape your Career in Mathematics after 12th?

From the video below, let's learn from Dr. Ashani Dasgupta (a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin and Founder-Faculty of Cheenta) how you can shape your career in Mathematics and pursue it after 12th in India and Abroad. These are some of the key questions that we are discussing here:

• What are some of the best colleges for Mathematics that you can aim to apply for after high school?
• How can you strategically opt for less known colleges and prepare yourself for the best universities in India or Abroad for your Masters or Ph.D. Programs?
• What are the best universities for MS, MMath, and Ph.D. Programs in India?
• What topics in Mathematics are really needed to crack some great Masters or Ph.D. level entrances?
• How can you pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics outside India?
• What are the 5 ways Cheenta can help you to pursue Higher Mathematics in India and abroad?

## Want to Explore Advanced Mathematics at Cheenta?

Cheenta has taken an initiative of helping College and High School Passout Students with its "Open Seminars" and "Open for all Math Camps". These events are extremely useful for students who are really passionate for Mathematic and want to pursue their career in it.

To Explore and Experience Advanced Mathematics at Cheenta

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# Knowledge Partner

### Cheenta. Passion for Mathematics

Advanced Mathematical Science. Taught by olympians, researchers and true masters of the subject.