[list=1][*][size=100]Create an interactive applet that allows your students to investigate the characteristics of a cubic polynomial function [code]f(x) = a x^3 + b x^2 + c x + d[/code] using sliders to change the parameters.[br][u]Hint[/u]: Also, display characteristic points like roots, local extrema, and inflection points.[br][br][/size][/*][*][size=100]Write down instructions for your students that guide them through the exploration of a variety of polynomial functions.[/size][/*][/list]