Use the Intermidiate Value Theorem to prove that there is a positive number c such that c^2 = 2.

This exercise is asking to prove the existance of the square root of 2. So let's consider the function f(x) = x^2. Since f(x) is a polynomial, then it is continuous on the interval (- infinity, + infinity). Using the Intermidiate Value Theorem, it would be enough to show that at some point a f(x) is less than 2 and at some point b f(x) is greater than 2. For example, let a = 0 and b = 3. Therefore, 

f(0) = 0, which is less than 2, and f(3) = 9, which is greater than 2. Applying IVT to f(x) = x^2 on the interval [0,3] and taking N=2, we can therefore guarantee the existance of a number c such that 0<c<2 and c^2 = 2. 

DK
Answered by Dilyana K. Maths tutor

8192 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve: 3X - 5 = Y 2X +2 = Y +3


Emma wants to buy a radio, the full price is £80. In the shop, she is given a discount. A year later, she sells the radio for £78, giving her a profit of 30% of what she bought it for the year before. What discount did she receive? (4)


When solving two simultaneous equations, when should you use the method of elimination and when would you use the method of substitution?


Rearrange 2s = d/t to make t the subject.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences