SOLUTION: Me and my friend are trying to do this problem but have no clue how to do it. Here's the problem: Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that there is a root of the equat

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Question 224339: Me and my friend are trying to do this problem but have no clue how to do it.
Here's the problem:
Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that there is a root of the equation in the interval [-2,-1]
We have a very vague understanding of what that theorem means but we only worked with letters never an actual equation. Could you please help us? Thanks in advance. =)

Answer by nerdybill(7384)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that there is a root of the equation in the interval [-2,-1]
.
f(x) = 2x^3 + x^2 + 2
.
Calculate f(-2):





.
Calculate f(-1):





.
"Mean value theorem" says that if a number (say 0) is between f(-2)=-10 and f(-1)=1 then there will be a value of x that will give you that result.
.
Since 0 lies between -10 and 1 there is a value of x.
.
To find that value, it is best to use a graphing calculator..
x = -1.197
.
Read up more on "intermediate value theorem" at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_value_theorem

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