A function $f(x)$ is defined and continuous on the interval $[0,2]$ and $f(0)=f(2)$. Prove that the numbers $x,y$ on $[0,2]$ exist such that $y-x=1$ and $f(x) = f(y)$.
I can already guess this is going to involve the intermediate value theorem. So far I've defined things as such: I'm looking to satisfy the following conditions for values x, y:
- $f(x) = f(x+1)$
- $f(x) = f(y)$
I've defined another function, $g(x)$ such that $g(x) = f(x+1) - f(x)$ If I can show that there exists an $x$ such that $g(x) = 0$ then I've also proven that $f(x) = f(x+1)$.
since I'm given the interval [0,2], I can show that:
$g(1) = f(2) - f(1)$,
$g(0) = f(1) - f(0)$
I'm told that $f(2) = f(0)$ so I can rearrange things to show that $g(1) = f(0) - f(1) = -g(0)$. Ok, So i've shown that $g(0) = -g(1)$
How do I tie this up? I'm not able to close this proof. I know I need to incorporate the intermediate value theorem which states that if there's a point c in $(a,b)$ then there must be a value $a
I thought maybe to use Rolle's theorem to state that since $f(0) = f(2)$ I know this function isn't monotonic. And if it's not monotonic it must have a "turning point" where f'(x) = 0 but it's not working out. Anyway I need help with this proof in particular and perhaps some advice on solving proofs in general since this type of thing takes me hours.
Thanks.