# Math Help - How to solve this IVT problem??

1. ## How to solve this IVT problem??

How do I solve this problem?

Use IVT (Intermediate Value Theorem) to prove the following statement:

2^x = bx has a solution if b>2

Attempt: I know that IVT says that a continuous function has values in every single points, but if I don't the value in front of x how am I supposed to solve that?

2. Originally Posted by skboss
How do I solve this problem?

Use IVT (Intermediate Value Theorem) to prove the following statement:

2^x = bx has a solution if b>2

Attempt: I know that IVT says that a continuous function has values in every single points, but if I don't the value in front of x how am I supposed to solve that?
Let f(x)= $2^x- bx$. Then f(1)= 2- b< 0. Whatever b is, there exist n such that $2^n> b$. For that n, $f(2^n)= 2^{2^n}- b(2^n)= 4^n- 2^nb= 2^n(2^n- b)> 0$.

Now use the IVT

3. Originally Posted by HallsofIvy
Let f(x)= $2^x- bx$. Then f(1)= 2- b< 0. Whatever b is, there exist n such that $2^n> b$. For that n, $f(2^n)= 2^{2^n}- b(2^n)= 4^n- 2^nb= 2^n(2^n- b)> 0$.

Now use the IVT

Thank you very much, but I got lost after the 2nd step when u introduce n. If you can explain that, that would be great. Thanks again.

4. Why part do you need explained?

Do you understand why I wanted to be able to say that f(1)< 0 and that f(some number) > 0?

Do you understand why $2^{2^n}= 4^n= (2^n)(2^n)$?