### Cubic Spin

Prove that the graph of f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 +9x +1 has rotational symmetry. Do graphs of all cubics have rotational symmetry?

### Sine Problem

In this 'mesh' of sine graphs, one of the graphs is the graph of the sine function. Find the equations of the other graphs to reproduce the pattern.

### Parabolic Patterns

The illustration shows the graphs of fifteen functions. Two of them have equations y=x^2 and y=-(x-4)^2. Find the equations of all the other graphs.

# Agile Algebra

##### Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

The following equations are difficult to solve by direct attack but if you look for symmetric features and make simple substitutions they become much easier to solve.

(1) $\frac{2x}{2x^2-5x+3}+\frac{13x}{2x^2+x+3}=6.$

(2) $x^4 -8x^3 + 17x^2 -8x + 1 = 0.$

(3) $(x-4)(x-5)(x-6)(x-7) = 1680.$

(4) $(8x+7)^2(4x+3)(x+1)=\frac{9}{2}.$

NOTES AND BACKGROUND
This is an example of a process which occurs frequently in mathematics. Let's refer to two frames of reference as A and B and say we have a problem stated in A, then the technique is to map the given relationships to B, work in B and then map the results back to A. All these equations have symmetry of one sort or another. By using the symmetry to make a substitution you can change the variable and get an equation which is easier to solve. After that you have to use the solutions you have found and go back to find the corresponding solutions of the original equation.

To find out more about this general technique see the article "The Why and How of Substitution".

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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