Math Problem Statement
Suppose that f is continuous on [0, 6] and that the only solutions of the equation f (x) = 3 are x = 1 and x = 5. If f (4) = 5, then which of the following statements must be true?
(i) f (2) > 3 (ii) f (0) < 3 (iii) f (6) < 3
Solution
We are given that is continuous on the interval and that the only solutions to the equation occur at and . This implies that between and , the function does not equal 3 anywhere else. Additionally, we know that , which is greater than 3.
We will now analyze each of the three statements:
Statement (i):
- The function is continuous, and the only points where are and .
- From the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT), since and , must be greater than 3 between and . Hence, .
So, statement (i) is true.
Statement (ii):
- Since only at , and must be either greater than or less than 3 outside the point .
- If , the continuity of would force the function to reach 3 before , violating the condition that only at .
- Therefore, must be less than 3 to avoid crossing 3 anywhere between and .
So, statement (ii) is true.
Statement (iii):
- Similarly, only at , and for to stay above or at 3 after , it would have to cross 3 again after , which would contradict the given condition.
- Therefore, must be less than 3 to ensure that the function does not cross the value 3 after .
So, statement (iii) is true.
Conclusion:
All three statements must be true. Therefore, the correct answer is that statements (i), (ii), and (iii) are all true.
Do you want more details or have any questions? Here are some additional questions to explore:
- Can the Intermediate Value Theorem be applied to any function that is not continuous?
- What happens if ? Would this affect the results?
- How would the situation change if had more solutions on ?
- Could there be another point where apart from ?
- What would happen if was discontinuous at any point in the interval?
Tip: The Intermediate Value Theorem is a powerful tool when analyzing continuous functions, as it guarantees that a function takes on all values between any two points on its graph.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Continuity
Intermediate Value Theorem
Function Analysis
Formulas
-
Theorems
Intermediate Value Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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