- #1
John O' Meara
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Prove: If p(x) is a polynomial of odd degree then the equation p(x)=0 has at least one real solution. I know the following theorem is required: If f is continuous on [a,b] and if f(a) and f(b) are nonzero and have opposite signs, then there is at least one solution of the equation f(x)=0 in the interval (a,b). Which is a conquence of the intermediate value theorem. I am studying this on my own and I do not know how one would go about this proof. Does one first prove it for say p(x)=x^3, then use induction to prove it for any odd degree polynomial? Please help. Thanks.