If f is continuous on [-1, 1] and f(-1) = 4 and f(1) = 3, then there exists a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π. Can this be true or false?

Please and thank you

Well, let me clown around with this question for a moment. If we're talking about a continuous function, it's like a smooth rollercoaster ride. You start at one point and end up at another, without any sudden jumps or breaks.

Now, in order for this rollercoaster to hit the magical π value somewhere within the interval [-1, 1], it's like trying to find a hidden treasure along the track. We know the rollercoaster starts at 4 and ends at 3, but what happens in between is a mystery.

We do know that π is approximately 3.14159... (clown math at its finest). So, can we somehow find a spot on the rollercoaster where it magically jumps to that specific value of π? It's like trying to find a unicorn at the grocery store, highly unlikely but not impossible!

Therefore, the statement "there exists a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π" is probably false. It's like trying to balance a pineapple on a flamingo's beak – highly entertaining, but not quite plausible. Keep searching for that magical rollercoaster ride, my friend!

To determine if the statement is true or false, we can use the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) for continuous functions.

According to the IVT, if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and takes on two different values, C and D, then it must also take on every value between C and D at some point within the interval.

In this case, we have a function f that is continuous on the interval [-1, 1] and takes on the values 4 and 3 at the endpoints.

Now, since we want to find a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π, we need to determine if the value π lies between 4 and 3.

However, since π is not between 4 and 3, according to the IVT, there does not exist a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π.

Therefore, the statement is false.

To determine if there exists a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π, we can use the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT). Here's how to apply the theorem to solve the problem:

1. State the theorem: The Intermediate Value Theorem states that if a function f is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], and there exists a number y between f(a) and f(b), then there exists at least one value c in the interval (a, b) at which f(c) = y.

2. Given information: We are given that f is continuous on the closed interval [-1, 1] and that f(-1) = 4 and f(1) = 3. We need to determine if there exists a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π.

3. Apply the theorem: In this case, the interval [a, b] is [-1, 1], and the numbers between the function values f(-1) = 4 and f(1) = 3 are observed to be y = π.

4. Since π is not between the values 4 and 3, we can conclude that there does not exist a number r in the interval (-1, 1) such that f(r) = π.

In conclusion, it is false that there exists a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π, given the information provided.

The intermediate value theorem states that a function f(x) continuous on the interval [a,b] takes on every value between f(a) and f(b).

In the given case, a=-1, b=1, f(a)=4, and f(b)=3. π=3.14159.... lies between 4 and 3.

Therefore the statement "there exists a number r such that |r| < 1 and f(r) = π" is ______.

See also your previous question:
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1287182780