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 ff is continuous on the interval [0,6][0, 6], and the only solutions to the equation f(x)=3f(x) = 3 are x=1x = 1 and x=5x = 5. 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 f(4)=2f(4) = 2, which provides additional information about the behavior of the function.

Let's analyze each statement:


(i) f(2)<3f(2) < 3

  • Since f(x)=3f(x) = 3 only at x=1x = 1 and x=5x = 5, and the function is continuous, it must transition through values lower than 3 when moving from f(1)=3f(1) = 3 to f(4)=2f(4) = 2.
  • Specifically, between x=1x = 1 and x=4x = 4, f(x)f(x) must decrease because at x=1x = 1, f(1)=3f(1) = 3, and at x=4x = 4, f(4)=2f(4) = 2.
  • Therefore, f(2)f(2) must be less than 3.

Thus, statement (i) is true.


(ii) f(0)>3f(0) > 3

  • Since f(1)=3f(1) = 3 and there are no other points where f(x)=3f(x) = 3 besides x=1x = 1 and x=5x = 5, we need to check the behavior of the function at x=0x = 0.
  • The continuity of ff suggests that moving from x=0x = 0 to x=1x = 1, the function must either stay above 3 or decrease to 3 as xx approaches 1.
  • However, there is no explicit information about f(0)f(0), so we cannot conclude that f(0)f(0) is greater than 3 without further details.

Thus, statement (ii) is not necessarily true.


(iii) f(6)<3f(6) < 3

  • Similarly, since f(5)=3f(5) = 3 and there are no other solutions to f(x)=3f(x) = 3 on the interval, we know the function moves away from 3 for x>5x > 5.
  • Given that ff is continuous and that f(x)=3f(x) = 3 only at x=5x = 5, the function must take values less than 3 beyond x=5x = 5, specifically at x=6x = 6.

Thus, statement (iii) is true.


Conclusion:

The statements that must be true are:

  • (i) f(2)<3f(2) < 3
  • (iii) f(6)<3f(6) < 3

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:

  1. How does the Intermediate Value Theorem apply in this situation?
  2. What would happen if f(4)f(4) were greater than 3 instead of 2?
  3. Can we deduce the exact value of f(0)f(0) with additional assumptions?
  4. How does the continuity of ff affect its values between x=1x = 1 and x=5x = 5?
  5. 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

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Theorems

Intermediate Value Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12