(i) Let x1,x2,…,xn∈[−1,1] be any set of n distinct numbers. Show that there exist numbers A1,A2,…,An such that the formula
∫−11p(x)dx=j=1∑nAjp(xj)
is valid for every polynomial p of degree ⩽n−1.
(ii) For n=0,1,2,…, let pn be the Legendre polynomial, over [−1,1], of degree n. Suppose that x1,x2,…,xn∈[−1,1] are the roots of pn, and A1,A2,…,An are the numbers corresponding to x1,x2,…,xn as in (i).
[You may assume without proof that for n⩾1,pn has n distinct roots in [−1,1]. ]
Prove that the integration formula in (i) is now valid for any polynomial p of degree ⩽2n−1.
(iii) Is it possible to choose n distinct points x1,x2,…,xn∈[−1,1] and corresponding numbers A1,A2,…,An such that the integration formula in (i) is valid for any polynomial p of degree ⩽2n ? Justify your answer.