Chapter 4: Problem 61
Assume that \(f\) is continuous on \([a, b]\) and differentiable on \((a, b) .\) Also assume that \(f(a)\) and \(f(b)\) have opposite signs and that \(f^{\prime} \neq 0\) between \(a\) and \(b .\) Show that \(f(x)=0\) exactly once between \(a\) and \(b\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \( f(x) = 0 \) exactly once in \((a, b)\) by IVT and non-zero derivative condition.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Intermediate Value Theorem
The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) states that if a function \( f \) is continuous on a closed interval \([a, b]\) and \(f(a)\) and \(f(b)\) have opposite signs, then \(f(x) = 0\) for at least one value \( x \) in \((a, b)\). This is because the continuous function must cross the x-axis to change from a negative value to a positive value or vice versa.
02
Apply IVT to Ensure a Zero Exists
Since \( f \) is continuous on \([a, b]\) and \(f(a)\) and \(f(b)\) are of opposite signs, the IVT guarantees that there exists at least one \( x \) in \((a, b)\) such that \( f(x) = 0 \).
03
Leveraging Rolle's Theorem to Show Uniqueness
Rolle's Theorem states that if a function is continuous on \([a, b]\), differentiable on \((a, b)\), and \(f(a) = f(b)\), there exists at least one \( c \) in \((a, b)\) such that \( f'(c) = 0 \).
04
Ensure No Additional Zeros with Given Derivative Condition
Since \(f'(x) eq 0\) for \( x \) in \((a, b)\), there cannot be any \( c \) such that \( f'(c) = 0 \). This means there are no turning points, reinforcing that the graph of \( f(x) \) crosses the x-axis at exactly one point.
05
Conclude With Uniqueness of Root
Due to the constraints on \( f'(x) \), \( f(x) = 0 \) not only exists at least once by IVT but exactly once in \((a, b)\). No possibility of another zero exists because otherwise \( f'(x) = 0 \) would occur, contradicting the initial condition.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Continuity
Continuity is a foundational concept in calculus and plays a vital role in many theorems. A function is said to be continuous on a closed interval \([a, b]\) if there are no breaks, jumps, or holes in its graph within that interval. This means that for any value within \([a, b]\), the function approaches and reaches this value smoothly.
Here are some crucial points to understand about continuity:
Here are some crucial points to understand about continuity:
- At a point \(x = c\), a function \(f(x)\) is continuous if the limit as \(x\) approaches \(c\) from both directions equals \(f(c)\).
- A function is continuous on an interval if it is continuous at every point in that interval.
- Intermediate Value Theorem depends on this smooth, unbroken nature of continuous functions.
- For the Intermediate Value Theorem to apply, continuity on the closed interval \([a, b]\) is essential.
Differentiability
Differentiability refers to the existence of a derivative for a function at every point in an open interval. A function is differentiable at a point \(x = c\) if the function has a derivative at that point, meaning it has a defined tangent. Differentiability implies continuity, but continuity does not necessarily imply differentiability.
Key elements of differentiability include:
Key elements of differentiability include:
- A function \(f\) is differentiable on an open interval \( (a, b)\) if a derivative exists at every point in this interval.
- If \(f\) is differentiable on \( (a, b)\), it is also continuous there.
- Points of non-differentiability include sharp corners or cusps.
- Differentiability ensures that there are no abrupt changes in the slope of the function within the interval.
Rolle's Theorem
Rolle's Theorem provides insights into the behavior of a differentiable function within a set interval. It states that if a function is continuous on the closed interval \( [a, b] \), differentiable on the open interval \( (a, b) \), and has equal values at the endpoints, then there exists at least one point \( c \) in between where the derivative equals zero.
Key aspects include:
Key aspects include:
- Rolle's Theorem guarantees a "flat spot" or horizontal tangent in the interval if the conditions are met.
- It is applicable only when \( f(a) = f(b) \).
- The existence of such a point \( c \) indicates a potential local maximum or minimum.
Unique Root Existence
Finding a unique root within an interval where a continuous function changes sign is an intriguing result of combining the Intermediate Value Theorem with specific differential properties. The Intermediate Value Theorem ensures a zero exists due to sign changes across \[a, b\], while not allowing \( f'(x) = 0 \) prohibits additional zeros or horizontal tangents.
Consider these ideas:
Consider these ideas:
- The Intermediate Value Theorem only assures the existence of at least one root using sign change.
- If \( f(x) \) crosses the x-axis, but \( f'(x) eq 0 \), multiple crossings cannot be supported.
- This condition simplifies the function's graph to a single path through the axis, confirming uniqueness.