Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2009/ii/paper-1/2f/i/solution

Define the Lagrange interpolation polynomials
Distinct interpolation nodes ensure every denominator is nonzero and . For a polynomial of degree at most , the difference has degree at most and vanishes at distinct points, so it is zero. Integrating this Lagrange interpolation identity proves the required exact quadrature formula. This also covers , when the empty product is one and its weight is two.

New to topics? Read the docs here!