Math Problem Statement

Selected values of a continuous function f are given in the table above. What is the fewest possible number of zeros of f in the interval [-2, 3]?

Solution

The problem is asking for the fewest possible number of zeros of a continuous function ff on the interval [2,3][-2, 3] based on the table provided. Let's examine the table of values:

xx-2-10123
f(x)f(x)-252-4-13

To solve the problem, we will apply the Intermediate Value Theorem, which tells us that if a function is continuous on an interval, and the function changes signs between two points, then there is at least one zero in between those points.

Analyzing the table values:

  1. From x=2x = -2 to x=1x = -1, f(x)f(x) changes from 2-2 to 55. Since the sign changes (from negative to positive), there is at least one zero between x=2x = -2 and x=1x = -1.
  2. From x=1x = -1 to x=0x = 0, f(x)f(x) changes from 55 to 22. There is no sign change here, so no zero between x=1x = -1 and x=0x = 0.
  3. From x=0x = 0 to x=1x = 1, f(x)f(x) changes from 22 to 4-4. Since the sign changes (from positive to negative), there is at least one zero between x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1.
  4. From x=1x = 1 to x=2x = 2, f(x)f(x) changes from 4-4 to 1-1. There is no sign change, so no zero between x=1x = 1 and x=2x = 2.
  5. From x=2x = 2 to x=3x = 3, f(x)f(x) changes from 1-1 to 33. Since the sign changes (from negative to positive), there is at least one zero between x=2x = 2 and x=3x = 3.

Conclusion:

There are at least three intervals where a sign change occurs, meaning there are at least three zeros in the interval [2,3][-2, 3].

Therefore, the fewest possible number of zeros is three, and the correct answer is D: Three.

Would you like more details or further clarification? Here are five related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What is the Intermediate Value Theorem and how is it applied?
  2. How can we estimate the location of zeros more precisely based on function values?
  3. Can a continuous function have more zeros than suggested by sign changes?
  4. How do discontinuities affect the number of zeros in a function?
  5. What methods can be used to find the exact zeros of a function?

Tip: Always check for sign changes in a continuous function to estimate the number of zeros between given points!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Continuous functions
Zeros of functions
Intermediate Value Theorem

Formulas

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Theorems

Intermediate Value Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12