Real Analysis proof continuity

CrazyCalcGirl
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Homework Statement


Suppose that the function f is continuous on [a,b] and X1 and X2 are in [a,b]. Let K1 and K2 be positive real numbers. Prove that there exist c between X1 and X2 for which

f(c) = (K1f(X1) + K2f(X2))/(K1+k2)



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

I know I am supposed to have attempted this before asking for help, but honestly I have looked at this problem for over an hour and cannot figure out what to use. I have tried looking at it in terms of Rolles Thrm, Intermediate Value Thrm, and Mean Value Thrm, but nothing is clicking. I also tried manipulating it just by moving things around. I don't seem to be getting anywhere and I'm just hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Then at least I can come up with a decent attempt.
 
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Have you noticed that according the the intermediate value thm, all you need to do is to prove that

f(X1) \leq (K1f(X1) + K2f(X2))/(K1+K2) \leq f(X2) ?

Supposing f(X1) \leq f(X2).
 
oh god. I feel dumb now. I'm not even going to post back. I got it.
Thank you.
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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