Using the Intermediate Value Theorem

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The discussion centers on applying the Intermediate Value Theorem to find a square with a diagonal length between r and 2r, and an area that is half the area of a circle with radius r. The diagonal of the square is expressed as √2l, leading to the inequalities r < √2l < 2r, which relate the side length to the areas of the squares and the half circle. The area of the square with diagonal r is r²/2, while the area with diagonal 2r is 2r², and the area of the half circle is πr²/2, which fits between these two areas. The challenge lies in visualizing the value k = π/2 within the context of the function defined by the areas. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in understanding the relationships between these geometric figures.
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Show that there is a square with a diagonal that is between r and 2r and an area that is half the area of a circle of radius r.
The Theorem: If f is continuous on a closed interval [a,b] and k is any number between f(a) and f(b), inclusive, then there is at least one number x in the interval [a,b] such that f(x)=k.
Let l be a length of a side of the square, then the diagonal's length is \sqrt{2}l \mbox{ and } r &lt; \sqrt{2}l &lt; 2r \mbox{ that implies } f(a)=f(r) = r^2 \mbox{ and } f(b)=f(2r)= 4r^2. Can I find k = \frac{\pi}{2}r^2? I just cannot visualize k on the graph of l^2 and in between f(a) and f(b), because it is impossible. So where am I going wrong? I'm doing this for my own interest. Please help. Thank you.
 
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The area of the square with diagonal r is r2/2, and the area of the square with diagonal 2r is 2r2. The area of the half circle is πr2/2, which is between the areas of the squares.
 
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