Use IVT to show that f(x) exists on interval (0,1)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) to the function \( f(x) = 3(\cos(\pi x)) - 3x + 1 \) on the interval (0,1). Participants are exploring whether the function exists within this interval based on its values at the endpoints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to evaluate the function at the endpoints of the interval, calculating \( f(0) \) and \( f(1) \). There are questions about the correctness of these evaluations, particularly regarding arithmetic errors. Some participants express uncertainty about the implications of the results and the application of IVT.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the function's behavior at the endpoints, with some participants questioning their calculations and understanding of IVT. Guidance has been offered regarding the implications of the function's continuity and the necessity of crossing zero based on the values obtained.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and implications of the Intermediate Value Theorem, indicating a potential gap in understanding how to apply it correctly in this context.

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Homework Statement



Using IVT, show that [tex]3(\cos(\pi x)) - 3x + 1[/tex] exists on interval (0,1)

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



I think I got the right idea, but on my quiz (this was a question I just had on a quiz) I didn't know if I was finished or not.

So when using 0 on the interval (0,1), this is the equation:

[tex]3(\cos(\pi 0)) - 3(0) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(\cos(0)) - 3(0) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(1) + 1[/tex] =

3 + 1 = 4

Then I used 1 on the interval, which yielded this:

[tex]3(\cos(\pi 1)) - 3(1) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(\cos(\pi)) - 3 + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(-1) - 3 + 1[/tex] =

[tex]-3 - 3 + 1[/tex] = -5

So I've resulted in -5 and 4, which is large than (0,1), so does that means it exists on that interval? I've got these answers, but I'm not really sure what I do with them. I ended up just writing "squeeze", but when I handed it in he tsk'd at it, so I don't think that's right, lol.

EDIT: I'm trying to fix my post as I made a blatant error that LC pointed out, but what I'm trying to delete (3(1) = 4, lol) keeps appearing in latex in my post even though it's not there when I click the edit button. Anyone know what's up?
 
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macbowes said:

Homework Statement



Using IVT, show that [tex]3(\cos(\pi x)) - 3x + 1[/tex] exists on interval (0,1)

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



I think I got the right idea, but on my quiz (this was a question I just had on a quiz) I didn't know if I was finished or not.

So when using 0 on the interval (0,1), this is the equation:

[tex]3(\cos(\pi (0)) - 3(0) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(\cos(0)) - 3(0) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(1) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]4 + 1[/tex] = 5

Does 3*1 really equal 4?

Then I used 1 on the interval, which yielded this:

[tex]3(\cos(\pi (1)) - 3(1) + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(\cos(\pi)) - 3 + 1[/tex] =

[tex]3(-1) - 3 + 1[/tex] =

[tex]-3 - 3 + 1[/tex] = -5

So I've resulted in -5 and 5, which is large than (0,1), ...

Huh?? You have shown f(0) = 4 and f(1) = -5.

Try to draw a continuous function on [0,1] that does that and doesn't have any x where f(x) = 0.
 
LCKurtz said:
Does 3*1 really equal 4?

Well I'm an idiot, LOL! Fixing it now :D.

LCKurtz said:
Huh?? You have shown f(0) = 4 and f(1) = -5.

Try to draw a continuous function on [0,1] that does that and doesn't have any x where f(x) = 0.

Is that what I'm supposed to get? I suppose it's my lack of understand of what IVT really is. I wasn't really sure what an actually answer to this type of question would look like, so I wasn't sure where to go from there.
 
LCKurtz said:
Does 3*1 really equal 4?



Huh?? You have shown f(0) = 4 and f(1) = -5.

Try to draw a continuous function on [0,1] that does that and doesn't have any x where f(x) = 0.

macbowes said:
Is that what I'm supposed to get? I suppose it's my lack of understand of what IVT really is. I wasn't really sure what an actually answer to this type of question would look like, so I wasn't sure where to go from there.

The point of the intermediate value theorem is that a continuous function can't jump over the intermediate values. So if it is positive at one point and negative at another, the only way its graph can get from one to the other is to go through 0. So you know there must be a root between them even if you don't know exactly where it is.
 
LCKurtz said:
The point of the intermediate value theorem is that a continuous function can't jump over the intermediate values. So if it is positive at one point and negative at another, the only way its graph can get from one to the other is to go through 0. So you know there must be a root between them even if you don't know exactly where it is.

Ooooooooooohhhhhh. That clears up a lot! I could do the math, I just didn't know what I was doing. Aside for 3*1 of course, that's devilishly difficult.
 

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