Proving continuity using the IVT

  • Thread starter Thread starter sammyd
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Continuity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving continuity using the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) as presented in "Calculus" by Spivak, 3rd edition. Key problems include identifying continuous functions satisfying the equation (f(x))^2 = x^2, demonstrating that f(x) = g(x) or f(x) = -g(x) when f^2 = g^2 and f(x) ≠ 0, and proving the existence of an x in [a, b] where f(x) = g(x) given specific conditions. Additionally, it addresses the proof that a continuous function f on [0, 1] must equal x for some x in that interval.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)
  • Familiarity with continuous functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of function equations and their implications
  • Basic proof techniques in calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) in detail
  • Explore examples of continuous functions and their behaviors
  • Learn about function equations and their graphical interpretations
  • Practice proof techniques specific to calculus problems
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, educators teaching continuity and the Intermediate Value Theorem, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of continuous functions and their proofs.

sammyd
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
these are questions from Calculus by spivak 3rd edition.

7) How many continuous functions f are there which satisfy (f(x))^2= x^2 for all x?

8) Suppose that f and g are continuous, and that f^2 = g^2, and that f(x) ≠ 0 for all x. Prove that either f(x) = g(x) for all x, or else f(x) = -g(x) for all x.

10) Suppose f and g are continuous on [a, b] and that f(a) < g(a), but f(b) > g(b). Prove that f(x) = g(x) for some x in [a, b]. (It is going to be a very short proof)

11) Suppose that f is a continuous function on [0, 1] and that f(x) is in [0, 1] for each x (draw a picture). Prove that f(x) = x for some number x.

i don't understand how to go about these problems
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Let's start with 7. What candidate functions do you have for f(x)?
 
i can think of the identity function f(x) = x
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K