In this interactive figure, you are looking for a zero, or root, of [math]f(x)[/math]. The Intermediate Value Theorem guarantees a root if [math]f\left(x\right)[/math] changes sign and is continuous. By moving the [color=#ff0000]red point[/color][color=#000000], you can estimate where the root is. The [/color][color=#9900ff]zoom factor[/color][color=#000000] can be adjusted before zooming in on the root to enable the [/color][color=#ff0000]red point[/color][color=#000000] 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. [/color]

[i]Developed for use with Thomas' Calculus, published by Pearson.[/i]