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

8701 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Factorise and solve x^2 - 8x + 15 = 0


Lily goes on a car journey. For the first 30 min. her average speed is 40 mph. She then stops for 15 min. She then completes the journey at an average speed of 60 mph. The total journey time is 1 h. What is her overall average speed?


What is Pythagoras' Theorem?


The point P has coordinates (3, 4) The point Q has coordinates (a, b) A line perpendicular to PQ is given by the equation 3x + 2y = 7 Find an expression for b in terms of a


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning