How do you solve a calculus function with a python statement and program?

[idreu2go4it]

Boy, am I really confused about this!!! I have an assignment that is wanting me to create a python statement that will produce f(x) for:
f(x) = 2xcubed - 8xsquared + x +16.

Then, using the same function, write a python program that will find the extrema (both high and low) for the function across the closed interval (-1,3).

HELP!!!

[kedarm]

Well, the following should do the trick:

def func(x):
	y = (2*x*x*x) - (8*x*x) + x + 16
	return y

The best I can think of is a function that scans across the region of interest, maybe calculating f(x) for every 0.01 on the x axis. You can increase this resolution based on the accuracy you want.

[vegaseat]

The simplest way to get your x values in small increments is with a while loop. Then simply append (y, x) tuples to a list and use the min() and max() functions.

[idreu2go4it]

Thanks for replying. This stuff is so confusing to me. I've got some of the while loop, but not all of it.
highest = -9999999
x = -1.0
while x is < 3:
y = ?
if y >......... highest:
?
x = x + ?

[idreu2go4it]

The simplest way to get your x values in small increments is with a while loop. Then simply append (y, x) tuples to a list and use the min() and max() functions.

Thanks for replying. This stuff is so confusing to me. I've got some of the while loop, but not all of it.
highest = -9999999
x = -1.0
while x is < 3:
y = ?
if y >......... highest:
?
x = x + ?

[vegaseat]

You really need to study up on the basics of the Python language first.

Use something like
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_programming_language
as a starting point