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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » Value of Intermediate Theorem

Value of Intermediate Theorem

The intermediate value theorem is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in the field of functional analysis. The benefits that come with maintaining continuity in a function are broken down by this theorem.

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According to the intermediate value theorem, if “f” is a continuous function over a closed interval [a, b] with its domain having values f(a) and f(b) at the endpoints of the interval,

 then the function takes any value between the values f(a) and f(b) at a point inside the interval.

If “f” is not a continuous function over a closed interval, then the intermediate value theorem does not apply. This theorem can be understood using one of the following two routes:

Statement 1:

If k is a value that falls between f(a) and f(b), that is, if either f(a) > k > f(b) or f(a) k f(b), then the condition is met (b)

If this is the case, then there must be at least one number c that falls inside the range [a, b] and satisfies the condition that f(c) = k.

Statement 2:

The group of function pictures in the interval [a, b],

which either contains [f(a), f(b)] or [f(b), f(a)], is denoted by the notation [f(a), f(b)].

either f([a, b]) ⊇ [f(a), f(b)] or you might write it as f([a, b]) [f(b), f(a)]

The significance of the theorem of intermediate value

The intermediate value theorem can be used in a variety of contexts. 

In mathematics, it is applicable in a wide variety of contexts. 

With the use of this theorem, one can demonstrate that there is a point either below or above a specific line by using the line as an example. 

Because it is also used to examine the continuity of a function, regardless of whether or not the function is continuous, it is extremely necessary to be familiar with the value of the intermediate theorem.

The intermediate value theorem also has several significant applications in various areas of real life.

Let us take the example of a table that is unstable because the ground is not level. 

You can remedy this by rotating the table, assuming that the ground is continuous, that is, there are no rises and falls caused by tiles that are not placed properly.

The unstable table will have three of its legs in contact with the floor, with the fourth leg being the one that causes the instability. 

At one point during the rotation of the table, the fourth leg will be resting on the ground below it, while at another moment, it will be resting on the ground above it. 

There will be a location, in accordance with the intermediate value theory, at which the fourth leg will exactly contact the ground, and this will be the point at which the table will be fixed.

The characteristics of the theorem for values in the middle range

The intermediate value theorem has a number of aspects, some of which are detailed below.

When we use the theorem of intermediate value, we are only able to determine whether or not the root exists.

The theorem cannot guarantee that the root does not exist (see the above example).

When the function in question is not continuous, it is impossible to use the IVT theorem.

It is of no use in determining the answers to equations’ root questions.

Using the intermediate value theorem, we are unable to determine the number of roots that the equation possesses within the scope of the given interval.

Theorem of values at intermediate stages of calculation

According to the intermediate value theorem, if a continuous function is capable of obtaining two values for an equation, then it must also be capable of obtaining all of the values that are located in the space in between these two values. 

This is the condition under which the theorem holds true.

A function is said to be continuous when the graph of the function is a curve that does not break.

If we have two points that are connected by a continuous curve, with one point above the line and the other point below the line, then according to the Intermediate Value theorem, there will be one place where the curve crosses this line. 

This is true even if one of the points is above the line and the other point is below the line.

Conclusion

The intermediate value theorem, also referred to as IVT or IVT theorem, states that if a function f(x) is continuous on an interval [a, b], then for every y-value between f(a) and f(b), there exists some x-value in the interval that corresponds to that y-value. 

Other names for this theorem include IVT or IVT theorem (a, b). That is to say, if f(x) is continuous on the interval [a, b], then it ought to take every value that falls between f(a) and f. (b). 

To refresh your memory, a continuous function is one whose graph is a curve that can be drawn without the need to pick up a pencil at any point.

The intermediate value theorem can be expressed in mathematically precise terms as follows: 

“Suppose that f(x) is a continuous function on [a, b], and that L is a number that falls in between f(a) and f(b).

In this case, there must be at least one ‘c’ such that:

c is equal to (a, b) (or an is less than c than b) and f(c) equals L.”

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

What what is meant by the term "intermediate value theorem," and why is it so significant?

Ans. The Intermediate Value Theorem, also known as the IVT, is a precise mathe...Read full

What exactly is meant by the term "intermediate value property"?

Ans. If a function f(x) is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], ...Read full

Why is it necessary to understand the Intermediate Value Theorem?

Ans. The Intermediate Value Theorem is an extremely helpful mathematical concept for a variety of different reasons....Read full

What are the requirements for the application of the intermediate value theorem?

Ans. In order to satisfy the prerequisites for the Intermediate Value Theorem,...Read full

How can one demonstrate that the intermediate value theorem is correct?

Ans. If the function f(x) is continuous on the interval [a,b], and if the value k lies exactly between the functions...Read full

Ans. The Intermediate Value Theorem, also known as the IVT, is a precise mathematical statement (theorem) that pertains to the characteristics of continuous functions.

According to the IVT, if a function is continuous on [a, b], 

and if L is any integer between f(a) and f(b), then there must be a value, 

x = c, where a< c< b, 

such that f(c) = L. 

This is because the IVT asserts that if a function is continuous on [a, b], then L can be any number between f(a) and f(b).

Ans. If a function f(x) is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], 

and if K is a number that lies between f(a) and f(b), then there must be a point c in the interval [a, b] such that f(c) = K.

This is what is meant by the Intermediate Value Property. 

The existence of an equation can frequently be demonstrated by utilising this attribute.

Ans. The Intermediate Value Theorem is an extremely helpful mathematical concept for a variety of different reasons.

To begin, it is useful in the process of constructing the mathematical foundations for calculus. 

In point of fact, the IVT is an essential component in the demonstrations of both the Extreme Value Theorem (also known as the EVT) and the Mean Value Theorem (MVT).

Ans. In order to satisfy the prerequisites for the Intermediate Value Theorem, the function in question needs to be continuous and it cannot equal itself. 

This particular continuous function does have a root at, however the Intermediate Value Theorem cannot be used to demonstrate this fact because the function is continuous. 

Due to the fact that the function does not traverse the axis, this particular answer choice can be discounted.

Ans. If the function f(x) is continuous on the interval [a,b], and if the value k lies exactly between the functions f(a) and f(b), then there must be some value c inside the interval [a,b] for which f(c) equals k.

Let us make the assumption, without sacrificing generality, that k lies between f(a) and f(b) in the following way: f(a)<k<f(b).

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