Questions: Using the intermediate value theorem, determine, if possible, whether the function f has at least one real zero between a and b.
f(x)=x^3+2x^2-8x-3; a=-8, b=-1
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer boxes to complete your choice.
A. By the intermediate value theorem, the function does not have at least one real zero between a and b because f(a)= and f(b)= (Simplify your answers.)
B. By the intermediate value theorem, the function has at least one real zero between a and b because f(a)= and f(b)= ( Simplify your answers.)
C. It is impossible to use the intermediate value theorem in this case.
Transcript text: Using the intermediate value theorem, determine, if possible, whether the function f has at least one real zero between a and b .
\[
f(x)=x^{3}+2 x^{2}-8 x-3 ; a=-8, b=-1
\]
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer boxes to complete your choice.
A. By the intermediate value theorem, the function does not have at least one real zero between a and b because $\mathrm{f}(\mathrm{a})=$ $\square$ and $f(b)=$ $\square$ (Simplify your answers.)
B. By the intermediate value theorem, the function has at least one real zero between a and $b$ because $f(a)=$ $\square$ and $f(b)=$ $\square$ ( Simplify your answers.)
C. It is impossible to use the intermediate value theorem in this case.
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Evaluate the function at the given points
First, we evaluate the function at the points $a=-8$ and $b=-1$.
We find that $f(a) = -323$ and $f(b) = 6$.
Step 2: Check the signs of $f(a)$ and $f(b)$
Since $f(a)$ and $f(b)$ have opposite signs, by the Intermediate Value Theorem,
there is at least one real zero of $f(x)$ between $a$ and $b$.
Final Answer:
There is at least one real zero of the function between the given points.