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) = 2, 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 the only solutions to the equation are and . This means that the function only takes the value 3 at these two points, and nowhere else on the interval.
Additionally, we are told that , which provides additional information about the behavior of the function.
Let's analyze each statement:
(i)
- Since only at and , and the function is continuous, it must transition through values lower than 3 when moving from to .
- Specifically, between and , must decrease because at , , and at , .
- Therefore, must be less than 3.
Thus, statement (i) is true.
(ii)
- Since and there are no other points where besides and , we need to check the behavior of the function at .
- The continuity of suggests that moving from to , the function must either stay above 3 or decrease to 3 as approaches 1.
- However, there is no explicit information about , so we cannot conclude that is greater than 3 without further details.
Thus, statement (ii) is not necessarily true.
(iii)
- Similarly, since and there are no other solutions to on the interval, we know the function moves away from 3 for .
- Given that is continuous and that only at , the function must take values less than 3 beyond , specifically at .
Thus, statement (iii) is true.
Conclusion:
The statements that must be true are:
- (i)
- (iii)
Statement (ii) cannot be determined based on the given information.
Do you want more details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to consider:
- How does the Intermediate Value Theorem apply in this situation?
- What would happen if were greater than 3 instead of 2?
- Can we deduce the exact value of with additional assumptions?
- How does the continuity of affect its values between and ?
- What would the function's graph likely look like based on the given information?
Tip: Continuity plays a crucial role in determining behavior between known values of a function, especially when applying the Intermediate Value Theorem.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Continuity
Intermediate Value Theorem
Formulas
-
Theorems
Intermediate Value Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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