Question

Use the intermediate value theorem to show that f has a zero between a and b.

\[f(x)=2x^3+5x^2-3\] where a=-3 and b=-2.

Answer 1

My question is how do you use the intermediate value theorem when f is not a polynomial?

Answer 2

but your \(f\) is a polynomial

Answer 3

to use the IVT you just need a continuous function

Answer 4

It doesn't have x^1

Answer 5

sure it does...\[0x^1\]

Answer 6

Oh... haha okay... how would it look if the function is not continuous?

Answer 7

if it is a polynomial then is is always continuous

Answer 8

Hmm, okay :).

Answer 9

@Zarkon so why do we have to test?

Answer 10

test?

Answer 11

if we know it's continuous and there exist a zero? It's just a method of proof?

Answer 12

no...it can also be used to numerically find the zero.

Answer 13

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisection_method

Answer 14

Oh, Okay :). Thanks!!!