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

8791 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following simultaneous equations to give a value for both x and y: 3x+3y=9 and 2x+3y=5


Solve the simultaneous equations. x^2 + y^2 = 29. y-x = 3


Billy wants to buy these tickets for a show. 4 adult tickets at £15 each 2 child tickets at £10 each A 10% booking fee is added to the ticket price. 3% is then added for paying by credit card. Work out the total charge when paying by credit card.


Judy bought a car for £12,000. She bought the car 4 years ago. Each year the car depreciated by 10%. How much was is the car worth now?


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