The equation $x^3+x-1=0$ has

The equation $x^3+x-1=0$ has
  1. no real root.
  2. exactly two real roots.
  3. exactly one real root.
  4. more than two real roots.

Solution

Let $\mathrm{f}(x)=x^3+x-1$ A root of $\mathrm{f}(x)$ exists, if $\mathrm{f}(x)=0$ for at least one value of $x$. $\begin{aligned} & \mathrm{f}(0)=-1 < 0 \\ & \mathrm{f}(1)=1>0 \end{aligned}$ $\therefore \quad$ By intermediate value theorem, there has to be a point ' $c$ ' between 0 and 1 such that $\mathrm{f}(x)=0$. $\therefore \quad$ The given equation has exactly one real root. Alternate Method: Let $\mathrm{f}(x)=x^3+x-1$ $\begin{array}{ll} \therefore \quad \mathrm{f}^{\prime}(x)=3 x^2+1 \\ \quad \Rightarrow \mathrm{f}^{\prime}(x)>0 \quad \forall x \in \mathrm{R} \end{array}$ $\Rightarrow \mathrm{f}(x)$ is an increasing function. $\Rightarrow \mathrm{f}(x)$ intersects $\mathrm{X}$-axis at only one point. $\therefore \quad$ The given equation has exactly one real root.

Asked in: MHT CET 2023 (14 May Shift 1)

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