Find the cubic polynomial f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d that has horizontal tangents at the points (-4,5) and (3,2).

We have to determine a polynomial f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx
+ d given that it has horizontal tangents at the points ( -4,5) and
(3,2).

Now the slope of the tangent at a point on a curve
can be derived from the first derivative.

The derivative of
f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d is

f'(x) = 3ax^2 + 2bx +
c.

At the points (-4, 5) and (3,2), the slope of the
tangent is zero.

3*16*a - 2*4*b + c =
0

=> 48a - 8b + c =
0

3*9*a + 2*3*b + c =
0

=> 27a + 6b + c =
0

Also, as the points (-4,5) and (3,2) lie on the
curve

5 = a*(-4)^3 + b(-4)^2 -4c +
d

=> 5 = -64a + 16b - 4c +
d

2 = a*3^3 + b*3^2 + c*3 +
d

=> 2 = 27a + 9b + 3c +
d

So we know have to solve these 4
equations:

27a + 9b + 3c + d = 2
...(1)

-64a + 16b - 4c + d = 5
...(2)

48a - 8b + c = 0
...(3)

27a + 6b + c = 0
...(4)

(1) - (2)

=> 91a
- 7b + 7c = -3 ...(5)

a = 6/343 , b = 9/343 , c = -216/343
and d = 1091/343

Therefore the polynomial is
f(x) = (6/343)x^3 + (9/343)x^2 - (216/343)x +
1091/343.