Question

Let \(0< k <2\). Below is sketched a graph of \(y=f_k(x)\) where \(f_k(x) = x(x-k)(x-2)\). Let \(A(k)\) denote the area of the shaded region.

Graph of a cubic that tends to infinity as x tends to infinity and tends to minus infinity as x tends to minus infinity. It crosses the axis 3 times, at 0, k and 2. The area under the graph for 0 less than x less than k, and the area above the graph for k less than x less than 2, are both shaded.
  1. Without evaluating them, write down an expression for \(A(k)\) in terms of two integrals.

  2. Explain why \(A(k)\) is a polynomial in \(k\) of degree \(4\) or less. [You are not required to calculate \(A(k)\) explicitly.]

  3. Verify that \(f_k (1+t) = -f_{2-k}(1-t)\) for any \(t\).

  4. How can the graph of \(y=f_k(x)\) be transformed to the graph of \(y = f_{2-k}(x)\)?

    Deduce that \(A(k)=A(2-k)\).

  5. Explain why there are constants \(a, b, c\) such that \[A(k) = a(k-1)^4 + b(k-1)^2 + c.\] [You are not required to calculate \(a,b, c\) explicitly.]