Homework Help: Continuity (intermediate value theorem)

mtayab1994 · Sep 28, 2012

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Let f be a continuous function on the interval I=[a,b] such that for every x in [a,b] f(x)≠0.

Show that the function f(x) doesn't change its sign.( like increasing or decreasing)

3. The attempt at a solution

Well for this to be true, we need to have f(a)>0 and f(b)>0 and f(x) is increasing so then it won't change the monotony. If we have f(a)<0 and f(b)<0, then f(x) is decreasing, hence we will not find any x in the interval I such that f(x)=0. Therefore for every x in the interval I f(x)≠0. Am I correct? Do I need to explain a bit more or what?

jgens · Sep 28, 2012

mtayab1994 said: ↑

Well for this to be true, we need to have f(a)>0 and f(b)>0 and f(x) is increasing so then it won't change the monotony. If we have f(a)<0 and f(b)<0, then f(x) is decreasing, hence we will not find any x in the interval I such that f(x)=0. Therefore for every x in the interval I f(x)≠0. Am I correct? Do I need to explain a bit more or what?

This is nonsense. If [itex]f[/itex] does change sign, then there exist real numbers [itex]c,d \in [a,b][/itex] such that [itex]f(c) < 0[/itex] and [itex]0 < f(d)[/itex]. Now use the intermediate value theorem to derive a contradiction.

HallsofIvy · Sep 28, 2012

mtayab1994 said: ↑

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Let f be a continuous function on the interval I=[a,b] such that for every x in [a,b] f(x)≠0.

Show that the function f(x) doesn't change its sign.( like increasing or decreasing)

Did you add the parenthetical statement? I believe you are misunderstanding the question! A function is "increasing or decreasing" if and only if the derivative of f doesn't change sign. [itex]f(x)= x^2+ 1[/itex], for example is continuous and never 0 on [-1, 1] but it certainly is NOT always increasing or always decreasing.

Use a proof by contradicction. If f(x1)> 0 and f(x2)< 0 (f changes sign) and f is continuous, what does the intermediate value theorem tell you?

3. The attempt at a solution

Well for this to be true, we need to have f(a)>0 and f(b)>0 and f(x) is increasing so then it won't change the monotony. If we have f(a)<0 and f(b)<0, then f(x) is decreasing, hence we will not find any x in the interval I such that f(x)=0. Therefore for every x in the interval I f(x)≠0. Am I correct? Do I need to explain a bit more or what?

mtayab1994 · Sep 28, 2012

HallsofIvy said: ↑

Did you add the parenthetical statement? I believe you are misunderstanding the question! A function is "increasing or decreasing" if and only if the derivative of f doesn't change sign. [itex]f(x)= x^2+ 1[/itex], for example is continuous and never 0 on [-1, 1] but it certainly is NOT always increasing or always decreasing.

Use a proof by contradicction. If f(x1)> 0 and f(x2)< 0 (f changes sign) and f is continuous, what does the intermediate value theorem tell you?

If f(x1)>0 and f(x2)<0 that entails f(x1)*f(x2)<0 so that means that there at least exists a number c such that f(x2)<f(c)=0<f(x1). Correct right?

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Homework Help: Continuity (intermediate value theorem)

mtayab1994

jgens

HallsofIvy

mtayab1994