How do I use the Mean Value Theorem to so #2x-1-sin(x)=0# has exactly one real root?
1 Answer
This is a proof, so there is no short answer.
To show that there is exactly 1 real root, we start with the IVT to show that roots exist. Then we use a very common math technique which is proof by contradiction.
Let
#f(0)=0-1-0<0#
#f(1)=2-1-sin(1)=1-sin(1)>0# because#sin(pi/2)=1#
Therefore, by IVT, there exists some#c# such that#f(c)=0# .
To prove there are no other real roots, let's suppose that there are two roots:
By Rolle's Theorem, there exists a
#f'(x)=2-cosx#
But
So, by contradiction there are not two real roots
You can substitute MVT for Rolle's Theorem if you like. Rolle's Theorem is used to prove MVT.
For proofs, to show something is true, you have to show every case, usually using algebra like you've done with limits. However, to show something is false, you only have to show a single case; this is why proof by contradiction is powerful.