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

9102 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Paul organised an event for a charity. Each ticket for the event cost £19.95 Paul sold 395 tickets. Paul paid costs of £6000 He gave all money left to the charity. (a) Work out an estimate for the amount of money Paul gave to the charity.


The perimeter of a right-angled triangle is 60 cm. The lengths of its sides are in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5. Calculate the area of the triangle.


Solve the equation (2x + 3 / x - 4) - (2x - 8 / 2x + 1) = 1


Write 𝑥²+6𝑥+11 in the form (𝑥+a)²+b.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning