Proving continuity using the IVT

  • Thread starter sammyd
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Continuity
In summary, these questions from Calculus by Spivak 3rd edition deal with continuous functions and their properties. The first question asks how many continuous functions satisfy a given equation, while the second and third questions involve proving relationships between continuous functions with specific conditions. The fourth question involves using a picture to prove a statement about a continuous function on a given interval.
  • #1
sammyd
2
0
these are questions from Calculus by spivak 3rd edition.

7) How many continuous functions f are there which satisfy (f(x))^2= x^2 for all x?

8) Suppose that f and g are continuous, and that f^2 = g^2, and that f(x) ≠ 0 for all x. Prove that either f(x) = g(x) for all x, or else f(x) = -g(x) for all x.

10) Suppose f and g are continuous on [a, b] and that f(a) < g(a), but f(b) > g(b). Prove that f(x) = g(x) for some x in [a, b]. (It is going to be a very short proof)

11) Suppose that f is a continuous function on [0, 1] and that f(x) is in [0, 1] for each x (draw a picture). Prove that f(x) = x for some number x.

i don't understand how to go about these problems
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Let's start with 7. What candidate functions do you have for f(x)?
 
  • #3
i can think of the identity function f(x) = x
 

FAQ: Proving continuity using the IVT

What is the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)?

The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) is a theorem in calculus that states that if a continuous function has a different sign at two points in an interval, then it must also have a point in that interval where the function is equal to zero. It is used to prove the existence of roots or solutions to equations.

How is the IVT used to prove continuity?

The IVT is used to prove continuity by showing that a function is continuous at a particular point by finding a point in the interval where the function is equal to the value of the function at that point. This shows that the function is continuous between the two points and therefore must be continuous at the particular point.

Can the IVT be applied to all functions?

No, the IVT can only be applied to continuous functions. If a function is not continuous, then the IVT cannot be used to prove its continuity. Additionally, the IVT only applies to functions that are defined on a closed interval [a, b] and not open intervals (a, b).

What are the steps for proving continuity using the IVT?

The steps for proving continuity using the IVT are as follows:

  1. State the function and the interval where you want to prove continuity.
  2. Show that the function is continuous on the interval.
  3. Choose two points in the interval where the function is defined.
  4. Show that the function has a different sign at these two points.
  5. Use the IVT to find a point in the interval where the function is equal to the value of the function at one of the chosen points.
  6. Conclude that the function is continuous at that particular point.

Is the IVT a necessary condition for continuity?

No, the IVT is not a necessary condition for continuity. It is possible for a function to be continuous without satisfying the conditions of the IVT. However, if a function does satisfy the conditions of the IVT, then it is guaranteed to be continuous.

Similar threads

Back
Top