## 17Calculus - Intermediate Value Theorem

Using Limits

### Derivatives

Graphing

Related Rates

Optimization

Other Applications

### Integrals

Improper Integrals

Trig Integrals

Length-Area-Volume

Applications - Tools

Applications

Tools

### Practice

Calculus 1 Practice

Calculus 2 Practice

Practice Exams

### Articles

The intermediate value theorem is used to establish that a function passes through a certain y-value and relies heavily on continuity. First, let's look at the theorem itself.

Intermediate Value Theorem

For a continuous function, $$f(x)$$ on an interval $$[a,b]$$, if $$t$$ is between $$f(a)$$ and $$f(b)$$,
then there exists a value $$c \in [a,b]$$ such that $$f(c) = t$$.

Notice that the theorem just tells you that the value $$x=c$$ exists but doesn't tell you what it is or how to find it.
To get the idea of this theorem clear in your head, here are some great videos for you to watch. They use graphs to help you understand what the theorem means.

Here is a video that shows, graphically, how the intermediate value theorem works. She uses color in her graph to make it easy to follow.

### Krista King Math - Intermediate Value Theorem [4min-5secs]

video by Krista King Math

Here is a great video that clearly explains the intermediate value theorem more from a mathematical point of view than in the previous video.

### PatrickJMT - Intermediate Value Theorem [7min-53secs]

video by PatrickJMT

Application of the Intermediate Value Theorem - - Here is a great video showing a non-standard application of the IVT. To work this problem, he uses the definition of the limit. Don't skip this video. It will help you understand limits, continuity and the IVT.

### Dr Chris Tisdell - IVT [5min-58secs]

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

### Practice

Use the intermediate value theorem to solve these problems. Give your answers in exact form.

Show that $$x^3-3x+1=0$$ has a root in the interval $$(0,1)$$.

Problem Statement

Use the intermediate value theorem to solve this problem. Give your answer in exact form.
Show that $$x^3-3x+1=0$$ has a root in the interval $$(0,1)$$.

Solution

### PatrickJMT - 415 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

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Show that $$f(x)=x^4+x-3$$ has a root in the interval $$(1,2)$$.

Problem Statement

Use the intermediate value theorem to solve this problem. Give your answer in exact form.
Show that $$f(x)=x^4+x-3$$ has a root in the interval $$(1,2)$$.

Solution

### Krista King Math - 422 video solution

video by Krista King Math

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Show that $$x^2=\sqrt{x+1}$$ has a root in the interval $$(1,2)$$.

Problem Statement

Use the intermediate value theorem to solve this problem. Give your answer in exact form.
Show that $$x^2=\sqrt{x+1}$$ has a root in the interval $$(1,2)$$.

Solution

### PatrickJMT - 416 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

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Show that $$e^x=2\cos(x)$$ has at least one positive root.

Problem Statement

Use the intermediate value theorem to solve this problem. Give your answer in exact form.
Show that $$e^x=2\cos(x)$$ has at least one positive root.

Solution

He chose $$x=0$$ and $$x=\pi/2$$ to show that the function has a positive value and negative value. You can choose other values as long as one results in a positive value and the other is negative.

### Dr Chris Tisdell - 414 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

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Prove that $$\cos(x)=x^3$$ has at least one real root.

Problem Statement

Use the intermediate value theorem to solve this problem. Give your answer in exact form.
Prove that $$\cos(x)=x^3$$ has at least one real root.

Solution

### Krista King Math - 421 video solution

video by Krista King Math

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