How do you use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that the polynomial function f(x) = x^5 - 3x^4 - 2x^3 + 6x^2 + x + 2f(x)=x53x42x3+6x2+x+2 has a zero in the interval [1.7, 1.8]?

1 Answer
Oct 8, 2015

ff is a polynomial, so it is continuous on the interval [1.7, 1.8][1.7,1.8]

Explanation:

Now convince your reader that ff at one endpoint is positive and at the other, it it negative.
(Yes, I agree that the arithmetic will be tedious.)