Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Intermediate Value Theorem
The Intermediate Value Theorem states that if a continuous function, f(x), takes on different signs at two points, a and b, then it must cross zero at some point between a and b. This theorem is crucial for proving the existence of a root within an interval, as it guarantees that a zero exists if the function changes sign.
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Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1
Continuity of Functions
A function is continuous if there are no breaks, jumps, or holes in its graph. For the function r(θ) = 2θ − cos²θ + √2, continuity is essential to apply the Intermediate Value Theorem. Since polynomials, trigonometric functions, and their combinations are continuous over their domains, r(θ) is continuous over (−∞, ∞).
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Derivative and Monotonicity
The derivative of a function provides information about its monotonicity, indicating whether the function is increasing or decreasing. By analyzing the derivative of r(θ), we can determine if the function is strictly increasing or decreasing, which helps establish that there is exactly one zero in the interval by showing that the function does not change direction.
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