Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Lesson 3.5
Problems Involving Continuity of a Function
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

The Bisection Method 4
Finding Intervals for Zeros of a Polynomial Function 11
More Problems on Continuity of a Function 15

Key Points 18

Check Your Understanding 18

Challenge Yourself 19

Bibliography 20

Key to Try It! 21

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Lesson 3.5

Problems Involving Continuity of a

Function

Introduction
Consider the wires on a transmission line as a graph of a function. How can you say that
there is a continuity of the current flow? If there is no power interruption, and you can use
your appliances at home, right? If at least one of the transmission lines is broken, the
continuity is stopped. Can we locate the approximate place where the power is interrupted?
Companies have methods in determining such places.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 1

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

In this lesson, we will learn how to approximate the zero of a function by using a method
rooted in the Intermediate Value Theorem. Also, we will solve other problems involving the
continuity of a function.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
Solve problems involving
following:
continuity of a function
● Approximate the root of a continuous
(STEM_BC11LC-IIId-3).
function by using the bisection method.
● Determine an interval where a function
has a real zero.
● Solve problems involving continuity of a
function.

Warm Up
Zeros are Real 10 minutes
This activity will allow the students to determine if a function has a zero in a given interval and
use any method to find these zeros.

Materials
● pen
● paper

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 2

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Procedure
1. Determine if the following functions has at least one real zero in the given interval.

a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 12; [−5, −3]

b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 1; [1, 2]
c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 12; [−4, −2]
d. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 5; [1, 2]
2. Using any method, determine the zeros of the functions in the given interval.

Guide Questions
1. Which functions have at least one real zero in the given interval?
2. In which functions were you able to determine the zeros? How?
3. In which functions were you not able to determine the zeros? Why?

Learn about It!

The Intermediate Value Theorem guarantees that a function 𝑓(𝑥) has at least one real zero
on the interval [𝑎, 𝑏] if either 𝑓(𝑎) < 0 and 𝑓(𝑏) > 0, or 𝑓(𝑎) > 0 and 𝑓(𝑏) < 0. In other words,
𝑓(𝑎) and 𝑓(𝑏) must have opposite signs. However, this theorem only gives us an idea on the
existence of a zero over a closed interval and does not provide a method of determining these
zeros.

In the Warm Up activity, you were able to determine the zeros of some functions using
previously learned methods such as factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square, and
synthetic division. But the use of these methods is limited to functions that are factorable or
quadratic. Take the case of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 5 which has a real zero on [1, 2]. That zero cannot
be solved immediately. While solving for the zero is a tedious process, we can approximate it
using the Bisection Method, which is derived from IVT. Let us explore the other uses of IVT
in this lesson.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 3

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

When do we say that 𝑥 = 𝑐 is the best approximate

of a zero of 𝑓(𝑥)?

The Bisection Method

The bisection method is a process of approximating the zeros of a function 𝑓(𝑥) on [𝑎 , 𝑏] by
repeatedly taking the midpoint of half-intervals starting from [𝑎, 𝑏]. Let 𝑥𝑚 be the midpoint of
𝑎+𝑏
𝑎 and 𝑏. Then, 𝑥𝑚 = . Thus, we have the following consequences when we evaluate 𝑓(𝑥𝑚 ):
2

1. If 𝑓(𝑥𝑚 ) = 0, then 𝑥𝑚 is a zero of 𝑓.

2. If 𝑓(𝑎) < 0, 𝑓(𝑏) > 0, and 𝑓(𝑥𝑚 ) > 𝑓(𝑎), then 𝑓 has a zero on [𝑥𝑚 , 𝑏].
3. If 𝑓(𝑎) < 0, 𝑓(𝑏) > 0, and 𝑓(𝑥𝑚 ) < 𝑓(𝑏), then 𝑓 has a zero on [𝑎, 𝑥𝑚 ].

We use these consequences in trimming down the interval to shorter lengths until we get a
value that is as close as desired to the actual zero.

Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 5 which has a zero on [1, 2] since 𝑓(1) = −2 < 0 and
𝑓(2) = 7 > 0. Let us use the bisection method to approximate its zero.

1+2
First, we find the midpoint of [1, 2], which is 𝑥𝑚 = = 1.5. Evaluate 𝑓(1.5).
2

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 5
𝑓(1.5) = (1.5)3 + 2(1.5) − 5
= 1.375

Since 𝑓(1.5) = 1.375 and 𝑓(1.5) < 𝑓(2), we can narrow the interval to [1, 1.5].

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 4

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function
1+1.5
Then, we find the midpoint of [1, 1.5], which is 𝑥𝑚 = = 1.25. Evaluate 𝑓(1.25).
2

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 5
𝑓(1.25) = (1.25)3 + 2(1.25) − 5
= −0.546875

Since 𝑓(1.25) = −0.546875 and 𝑓(1.25) > 𝑓(1), we can narrow the interval to [1.25, 1.5].

We continue this procedure until 𝑓(𝑥𝑚 ) rounds to zero when rounded to the desired number
of decimal places (usually two). Let us approximate the zero of the function up to two decimal
places.

Table 3.5.1. Zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 5 on [𝑎 , 𝑏] until the 11th bisection

Number of
𝒂 𝒃 𝒙𝒎 𝒇(𝒙𝒎 )
Bisections

1 1 2 1.5 1.375

2 1 1.5 1.25 −0.546875

3 1.25 1.5 1.375 0.349609375

4 1.25 1.375 1.3125 −0.11401367188

5 1.3125 1.375 1.34375 0.11386108398

6 1.3125 1.34375 1.328125 −0.00104904175

7 1.328125 1.34375 1.3359375 0.05616140366

8 1.328125 1.3359375 1.33203125 0.0274952054

9 1.328125 1.33203125 1.330078125 0.01320786029

10 1.328125 1.330078125 1.3291015625 0.00607560668

11 1.328125 1.3291015625 𝟏. 𝟑𝟐𝟖𝟔𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟖𝟏𝟑 0.00251233253

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 5

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Notice that after 11 bisections, we have approximated the zero of the function as 𝒙 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟑.

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
Approximate the zero of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 − 3 to two decimal places on the interval [1, 2], if it
exists.

Solution
Step 1: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on the interval [1, 2].

Since 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 − 3 is a polynomial function, it is continuous on [1, 2].

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 − 3
𝑓(1) = 13 − 1 − 3
=1−1−3
= −3

𝑓(2) = 23 − 2 − 3
= 8−2−3
=3

Since 𝑓(1) = −3 < 0 and 𝑓(2) = 3 > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on the interval [1, 2].

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 6

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Step 2: Use the bisection method.

Number of
𝒂 𝒃 𝒙𝒎 𝒇(𝒙𝒎 )
Bisections

1 1 2 1.5 −1.125

2 1.5 2 1.75 0.609375

3 1.5 1.75 1.625 −0.333984375

4 1.625 1.75 1.6875 0.11791992188

5 1.625 1.6875 1.65625 −0.11288452148

6 1.65625 1.6875 1.671875 0.00129318237

7 1.65625 1.671875 1.6640625 −0.0561003685

8 1.6640625 1.671875 1.66796875 −0.02747994661

9 1.66796875 1.671875 1.669921875 −0.01311249286

10 1.669921875 1.671875 1.6708984375 −0.00591443572

11 1.6708984375 1.671875 𝟏. 𝟔𝟕𝟏𝟑𝟖𝟔𝟕𝟏𝟖𝟖 −0.00231182177

Thus, after 11 bisections, we have 𝒙 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟔𝟕.

1 Try It!
Approximate the zero of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 3 to two decimal places on the interval [1, 2],
if it exists.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 7

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Example 2
Approximate the zero of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 4 on the interval [−1, 0], if it exists.

Solution
Step 1: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on the interval [−1, 0].

Since 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 4 is a polynomial function, it is continuous on [−1, 0].

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 4
𝑓(−1) = (−1)3 + 4(−1) + 4
= −1 − 4 + 4
= −1

𝑓(0) = 03 + 4(0) + 4
=4

Since 𝑓(−1) = −1 < 0 and 𝑓(0) = 4 > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on the interval [−1, 0].

Step 2: Use the bisection method.

Number of
𝒂 𝒃 𝒙𝒎 𝒇(𝒙𝒎 )
Bisections

1 −1 0 −0.5 1.875

2 −1 −0.5 −0.75 0.578125

3 −1 −0.75 −0.875 −0.169921875

4 −0.875 −0.75 −0.8125 0.21362304688

5 −0.875 −0.8125 −0.84375 0.02432250977

6 −0.875 −0.84375 −0.859375 −0.07217025757

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Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

7 −0.859375 −0.84375 −0.8515625 −0.02376794815

8 −0.8515625 −0.84375 −0.84765625 0.00031608343

9 −0.8515625 −0.84765625 −0.849609375 −0.01171620935

10 −0.849609375 −0.84765625 −0.8486328125 −0.005697635

11 −0.8486328125 −0.84765625 −𝟎. 𝟖𝟒𝟖𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟐𝟓 −0.0026901691

Thus, after 11 bisections, we have 𝒙 ≈ −𝟎. 𝟖𝟓.

2 Try It!
Approximate the zero of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 − 2 to two decimal places on the
interval [0, 1], if it exists.

Example 3
Approximate the zero of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 to two decimal places on the
interval [−2, −1], if it exists.

Solution
Step 1: Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on the interval [−2, −1].
Since 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 is a polynomial function, it is continuous on [−2, 1].
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥
𝑓 (−2) = (−2)4 + 2(−2)2 + 5(−2)
= 16 + 2(4) − 10
= 16 + 8 − 10
= 14

𝑓(−1) = (−1)4 + 2(−1)2 + 5(−1)

= 1 + 2(1) − 5
= 1+2−5
= −2

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Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Since 𝑓(−2) = 14 > 0 and 𝑓(−1) = −2 < 0, 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on the interval
[−2, −1].

Step 2: Use the bisection method.

Number of
𝒂 𝒃 𝒙𝒎 𝒇(𝒙𝒎 )
Bisections

1 −2 −1 −1.5 2.0625

2 −1.5 −1 −1.25 −0.68359375

3 −1.5 −1.25 −1.375 0.48071289062

4 −1.375 −1.25 −1.3125 −0.14964294434

5 −1.375 −1.3125 −1.34375 0.1530008316

6 −1.34375 −1.3125 −1.328125 −0.00139325857

7 −1.34375 −1.328125 −1.3359375 0.0750281252

8 −1.3359375 −1.328125 −1.33203125 0.03662447282

9 −1.33203125 −1.328125 −1.330078125 0.03599123308

10 −1.330078125 −1.328125 −1.3291015625 0.00807509833

11 −1.3291015625 −1.328125 −𝟏. 𝟑𝟐𝟖𝟔𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟖𝟏𝟑 0.00333791837

Thus, after 11 bisections, we have 𝒙 ≈ −𝟏. 𝟑𝟑.

3 Try It!
Approximate the zero of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 9𝑥 3 − 3 to two decimal places on the
interval [0, 1], if it exists.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 10

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

What does the degree of a polynomial function say

about its number of zeros?

Finding Intervals for Zeros of a Polynomial Function

We know that a polynomial function is continuous everywhere, and the number of its zeros
cannot be more than its degree. If we have a third-degree polynomial function, then it has at
most three real zeros.

In determining an interval where a polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) has at least one zero, we can
initially evaluate the function at any starting value, say 𝑥 = 0, and then apply IVT to find
another endpoint.

Remember
Let 𝑓(𝑥) be an odd polynomial function.
• If 𝑟 < 0 and |𝑟| is large enough, then 𝑓(𝑟) < 0.
• If 𝑠 > 0 and |𝑠| is large enough, then 𝑓(𝑠) > 0.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 11

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Example 4
Determine an interval with integer endpoints of length 1 where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 1 has a real
zero.

Solution
Step 1: Evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 0.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 1
𝑓(0) = −1

Since 𝑓(0) = −1 < 0, we need another positive value for 𝑓(𝑥). The degree of 𝑓
is odd, so we evaluate to the right of 0.

Step 2: Evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) to the right of 𝑥 = 0.

Since the length of the desired interval is one, we evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) every 1 unit.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 1
𝑓(1) = 13 + 2(1) − 1
= 1+2−1
=2

Since 𝑓(1) = 2 > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 1 has a real zero on [𝟎, 𝟏].

4 Try It!
Determine an interval with integer endpoints of length one where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 − 2
has a real zero.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 12

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Example 5
Determine three distinct intervals with integer endpoints of length 1 where the zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 − 1 lie. Note that 𝑓(𝑥) has three distinct zeros.

Solution
We can construct a table of values with intervals of 1 to determine the intervals where 𝑓(𝑥)
changes signs.

𝒙 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

𝒇(𝒙) −19 −3 1 −1 −3 1 17

Based on the table, 𝑓(𝑥) changes signs on the intervals [−2, −1], [−1, 0], and [1, 2].

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 − 1 has a real zero on the intervals [−𝟐, −𝟏], [−𝟏, 𝟎], and [𝟏, 𝟐].

5 Try It!
Determine three distinct intervals with integer endpoints of length one where the zeros
of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 3 lie. Note that 𝑓(𝑥) has three distinct zeros.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 13

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Example 6
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥 − 7 has two zeros on [−2, −1], determine two distinct intervals within
[−2, −1] of length 0.2 and with endpoints that are multiples of 0.2 where the zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) lie.

Solution
We can construct a table of values with intervals of 0.2 to determine the intervals where 𝑓(𝑥)
changes signs.

𝒙 −2 −1.8 −1.6 −1.4 −1.2 −1

𝒇(𝒙) −5 −0.76768 0.49824 −0.00224 −1.37632 −3

Based on the table, 𝑓(𝑥) changes signs on the intervals [−1.8, −1.6] and [−1.6, −1.4].

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥 − 7 has a real zero on the intervals [−𝟏. 𝟖, −𝟏. 𝟔] and [−𝟏. 𝟔, −𝟏. 𝟒].

6 Try It!
Determine three distinct intervals within [−2, 3] of length 0.5 and with endpoints that
are multiples of 0.5 where zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 − 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 − 1 lie.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 14

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

More Problems on Continuity of a Function

Other applications of the Intermediate Value Theorem will be discussed in the following
examples.

Example 7
Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 4 has a positive zero less than 2.

Solution
To determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 4 has a positive zero less than 2, we need to evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) at
𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2 to see if 𝑓(0) and 𝑓(2) have opposite signs.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 4
𝑓(0) = 03 + 0 − 4
= −4

𝑓(2) = 23 + 2 − 4
=6

Since 𝑓(0) and 𝑓(2) have opposite signs, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 4 has a positive zero less than 2.

7 Try It!
Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 − 9 has a positive zero less than 3.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 15

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Example 8
𝜋 4𝜋
Use IVT to show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 cos(𝑥 − 𝜋) + 3 sin 2 (𝑥 − 2 ) has a zero on [𝜋, ].
3

Solution
4𝜋
Show that 𝑓(𝜋) and 𝑓 ( 3 ) have opposite signs.

𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 cos(𝑥 − 𝜋) + 3 sin 2 (𝑥 − )
2
𝜋
𝑓(𝜋) = 2 cos(𝜋 − 𝜋) + 3 sin 2 (𝜋 − )
2
𝜋
= 2 cos 0 + 3 sin 2 ( )
2
= 2(1) + 3 sin 𝜋
= 2 + 3(0)
=2+0
=2

4𝜋 4𝜋 4𝜋 𝜋
𝑓( ) = 2 cos ( − 𝜋) + 3 sin 2 ( − )
3 3 3 2
𝜋 5𝜋
= 2 cos + 3 sin 2 ( )
3 6
1 5𝜋
= 2 ( ) + 3 sin
2 3
√3
= 1 + 3 (− )
2
≈ 1 − 2.598
≈ −1.598

4𝜋 𝜋
The values 𝑓(𝜋) and 𝑓 ( 3 ) have opposite signs, hence, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 cos(𝑥 − 𝜋) + 3 sin 2 (𝑥 − 2 )
𝟒𝝅
has a zero on [𝝅, ].
𝟑

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 16

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

8 Try It!
𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Use IVT to show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 sin 7 (𝑥 − 2 ) − sin (𝑥 + ) has a zero on [− 4 , − 6 ].
2

Example 9
Determine an interval of length 0.5 with one integer endpoint where
1 2
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 5 + 4 𝑥 4 − 3 𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 − 10 has a negative zero greater than −3.

Solution
Construct a table of values with intervals of 0.5 from −3 to 0 to determine the intervals where
𝑓(𝑥) changes signs.

𝒙 −3 −2.5 −2 −1.5 −1 −0.5 0

𝒇(𝒙) 292.25 125.339 45.333 11.609 −1.083 −6.37 −10

Based on the table, 𝑓(𝑥) changes signs on the interval [−1.5, −1].

1 2
Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 5 + 4 𝑥 4 − 3 𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 + 10 has a negative zero greater than −𝟑 on the

interval [−𝟏. 𝟓, −𝟏].

9 Try It!
Determine an interval of length 0.5 with one integer endpoint where
2 3 5
𝑓(𝑥) = 5 𝑥 5 − 4 𝑥 4 + 3 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1 has a negative zero greater than −4.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 17

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● Bisection Method is an application of the Intermediate Value Theorem that is used

to approximate the zeros of a continuous function on an interval.
● In determining an interval where a polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) has at least one zero,
we can initially evaluate the function at any starting value, say 𝑥 = 0, and then apply
IVT to find another endpoint.
● Let 𝑓(𝑥) be an odd polynomial function.
○ If 𝑟 < 0 and is large enough, then 𝑓(𝑟) < 0.
○ If 𝑠 > 0 and is large enough, then 𝑓(𝑠) > 0.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Approximate to two decimal places the zero of the following functions

in the given interval.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 + 9; [−2, −1]

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 + 7; [−2, −1]
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 − 3; [0, 1]
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 3; [1, 2]
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 2; [1, 2]
6. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 1; [0, 1]
7. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 10𝑥 − 7; [−3, −2]
8. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 + 2𝑥; [2, 3]
9. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 2 − 3; [−2, −1]
10. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 + 5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 12; [−2, −1]

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 18

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

B. Do as indicated.

1. Determine an interval with integer endpoints of length one where

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 8 has a real zero.
2. Determine an interval with integer endpoints of length one where
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 7 has a real zero.
3. Find three distinct intervals with integer endpoints of length one where
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 have real zeros. Note that 𝑓(𝑥) has three distinct zeros.
4. Find two distinct intervals of length 0.5 and with endpoints that are multiples of 0.5
where the zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3 lie. Note that 𝑓(𝑥) has two distinct zeros.
5. Find three distinct intervals of length 0.5 and with endpoints that are multiples of 0.5
where the zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 5 − 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 3 lie. Note that 𝑓(𝑥) has three
distinct zeros.
6. Determine an interval of length 0.6 and with endpoints that are multiple of 0.6 where
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 1 has a positive zero less than 3.
7. Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 has a negative zero greater than −4.
8. Determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 has a zero greater than 1 but less than 2.
𝜋
9. Use IVT to show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 cos 𝑥 − sin 2 (𝑥 − 3 ) has a zero on [𝜋, 2𝜋].
3𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋
10. Use IVT to show that 𝑓(𝑥) = cos 5𝑥 + sin (𝑥 − ) has a zero on [3 , ].
2 3

Challenge Yourself

A. Answer the following problems.

𝑥+1 , 𝑥 ≤ −5
15−𝑥
1. Given the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { 𝑥 , −5 < 𝑥 ≤ 3 determine if there exists a value 𝑐 on
𝑥2 − 5 , 𝑥>3
[−5, −2] such that 𝑓(𝑐) = 3. If there is none, why?

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 19

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

2. Determine two distinct intervals of length one with integer endpoints where the zeros
𝑥 3−𝑥+1
, 𝑥 ≤ −1
of 𝑓(𝑥) = {𝑥 3𝑥+3 lie if 𝑓(𝑥) has two zeros.
+𝑥−5
, 𝑥 > −1
𝑥−2

B. Determine an interval of length 0.2 and with endpoints

that are multiples of 0.2 where a zero of the following
functions lie within the given interval.

1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 12; [3, 9]

4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 19; [−4, 4]

5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 − 7𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1; [−4, 3]

Bibliography
Edwards, C.H., and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H., and Bruce H. Edwards. Essential Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

Smith, Robert T., and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Tan, Soo T. Applied Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences: A Brief Approach.
Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2012.

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 20

Unit 3: Continuity of a Function

Key to Try It!

1. 𝑥 ≈ 1.21
2. 𝑥 ≈ 0.39
3. 𝑥 ≈ 0.68
4. [0, 1]
5. [−3, −2], [0, 1], [1, 2]
6. [−2, −1.5], [−0.5, 0], [1.5, 2]
7. Since 𝑓(0) = −9 < 0 and 𝑓(3) = 15 > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) has a positive zero less than 3.
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
8. Since 𝑓 (− 4 ) = 3.536 > 0 and 𝑓 (− 6 ) = −2.5981 < 0, 𝑓(𝑥) has a zero on [− 4 , − 6 ].

9. [−0.5, 0]

3.5. Problems Involving Continuity of a Function 21