Zooming in on zeros
In this interactive figure, you are looking for a zero, or root, of . The Intermediate Value Theorem guarantees a root if changes sign and is continuous. By moving the red point, you can estimate where the root is. The zoom factor can be adjusted before zooming in on the root to enable the red point to be moved again to get a more accurate estimate. By adjusting the gray slider at the top, different example functions can be selected, or you can enter your own.
Developed for use with Thomas' Calculus, published by Pearson.