1.16 Working with the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT Calc)

3 min read•january 23, 2023

Anusha Tekumulla

AP Calculus AB/BC ♾️

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In this topic, we will focus on understanding the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) and its applications in Calculus. The IVT states that for any value c between the minimum and maximum values of a continuous function, there exists a point at which the function takes on the value c.

Objectives:

Understand the concept of the Intermediate Value Theorem.
Apply the Intermediate Value Theorem to find and prove the existence of roots for a function.
Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to prove the existence of a solution to a problem.

Essential Knowledge:

The Intermediate Value Theorem states that for any value c between the minimum and maximum values of a continuous function, there exists a point at which the function takes on the value c.
The Intermediate Value Theorem can be used to find and prove the existence of roots for a function.
The Intermediate Value Theorem can be used to prove the existence of a solution to a problem.

The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) is a powerful tool that can be used to prove the existence of roots for a function. It states that for any value c between the minimum and maximum values of a continuous function, there exists a point at which the function takes on the value c.

For example, if we have a function f(x) and we know that it is continuous on the interval [a,b], and that f(a) < 0 and f(b) > 0, then by the IVT, there exists at least one value c such that f(c) = 0. In other words, there exists at least one root of the function between a and b.

In addition to finding roots, the IVT can also be used to prove the existence of a solution to a problem. For example, if we have a function f(x) and we know that it is continuous on the interval [a,b], and that f(a) and f(b) have different signs, then by the IVT, there exists at least one value c such that f(c) = 0. In other words, there exists at least one solution to the problem between a and b.

Let's look at some examples to further illustrate the concept of the Intermediate Value Theorem and its applications:

Given the function f(x) = x^2 - 2. We know that f(1) = -1 and f(2) = 2. Using the IVT, we can prove that there exists at least one root of the function between x = 1 and x = 2.
Given the function g(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6. We know that g(-1) = -4 and g(1) = 4. Using the IVT, we can prove that there exists at least one root of the function between x = -1 and x = 1. By using the techniques of factoring, we can find that the roots are x=-2, x=-1 and x=1
Given the function h(x) = x^2+3x+2. We know that h(0) = 2 and h(1) = 4. Using the IVT, we can prove that there are no roots of the function between x = 0 and x = 1. By using the techniques of factoring, we can find that the roots are x=-1 and x=-2, which are not between 0 and 1.
Given the function j(x) = x^3-9x+3. We know that j(-1) = -7 and j(1) = -5. Using the IVT, we can prove that there exists at least one root of the function between x = -1 and x = 1. By using the techniques of factoring, we can find that the root is x=3, which is not between -1 and 1.
Given the function k(x) = x^3+3x^2+3x+1/(x+1). We know that k(0) = 1 and k(1) = 2. Using the IVT, we can prove that there are no roots of the function between x = 0 and x = 1. By using the techniques of factoring, we can find that the function is not defined for x=-1, which is not between 0 and 1.

In summary, the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) is a powerful tool that can be used to prove the existence of roots for a function and solve problems. It states that for any value c between the minimum and maximum values of a continuous function, there exists a point at which the function takes on the value c. By understanding and applying the IVT, we can gain a better understanding of the behavior of functions and find solutions to problems.

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👑Unit 1 – Limits & Continuity

1.0Unit 1 Overview: Limits and Continuity

1.1Introducing Calculus: Can Change Occur at An Instant?

1.2Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation

1.3Estimating Limit Values from Graphs

1.4Estimating Limit Values from Tables

1.5Determining Limits Using Algebraic Properties of Limits

1.6Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation

1.7Selecting Procedures for Determining Limits

1.8Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Theorem

1.10Exploring Types of Discontinuities