Intermediate Value Theorem

The Intermediate Value Theorem states:

If a function 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous on a closed interval of 𝑥, [𝑎, 𝑏], and 𝑁 is any

value between 𝑓(𝑎) and 𝑓(𝑏) inclusive, then there exists at least one value 𝑐 in
the interval [𝑎, 𝑏] such that 𝑓(𝑐) = 𝑁.

OR

Suppose the real function 𝑓 is continuous on the closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏] and
𝑓(𝑥) is positive at one endpoint and negative at the other endpoint. Then 𝑓
has a zero in the interval (𝑎, 𝑏); that is, 𝑓(𝑐) = 0 for some real 𝑐 in (𝑎, 𝑏).
Example
Use the intermediate value theorem to show that there is a root of the equation
𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 4 in the given interval (1,2)
Solution:
𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 4
𝑓(1) = 13 − 3(12 ) − 1 + 4 = 1
𝑓(2) = 23 − 3(22 ) − 2 + 4 = −2
By the Intermediate Value Theorem, since 𝑓(1) × 𝑓(2) < 0, there exists a root in (1,2)