Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Roots of a Function
The roots or zeros of a function are the values of the variable that make the function equal to zero. Finding the roots involves solving the equation f(x) = 0. This concept is crucial for understanding where the graph of the function intersects the x-axis, indicating the points where the function has no value.
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Intermediate Value Theorem
The Intermediate Value Theorem states that if a continuous function, f(x), takes on different signs at two points, then it must cross zero at some point between them. This theorem is essential for proving the existence of a zero within an interval, especially when the function changes from positive to negative or vice versa.
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Uniqueness of Zeros
To show that a function has exactly one zero, it is important to demonstrate that the function is either strictly increasing or decreasing, ensuring no other zeros exist. This involves analyzing the derivative of the function to confirm its monotonic behavior, which guarantees that the function crosses the x-axis only once.
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