SOLUTION 6: We are given the equation $$ x^3=20+ \sqrt{x} \ \ \ \ \longrightarrow \ \ \ \ x^3-\sqrt{x}-20=0 $$ Let function $$ f(x)=x^3-\sqrt{x}-20 \ \ \ \ and \ choose \ \ \ \ m=0 $$ This function is continuous for all values of $x \ge 0$ since it is the DIFFERENCE of continuous functions; it is well-know that $ \sqrt{x}$ is continuous for all $x \ge 0$ and $x^3-20$ is continuous for all values of $x$ since it is a polynomial. To establish an appropriate interval consider the graph of this function. (Please note that the graph of the function is not necessary for a valid proof, but the graph will help us understand how to use the Intermediate Value Theorem. On many subsequent problems, we will solve the problem without using the "luxury" of a graph.)

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Note that $$ f(1)= (1)^3-\sqrt{1}-20 =-20<0 \ \ \ \ and \ \ \ \ f(4)= (4)^3-\sqrt{4}-20=42>0 $$
so that $$ f(1)=-20 < m <42=f(4) $$
i.e., $m=0$ is between $ f(1) $ and $ f(4) $. Now choose the interval to be $ \ [1, 4] $.

The assumptions of the Intermediate Value Theorem have now been met, so we can conclude that there is some number $c$ in the interval $[1, 4]$ which satisfies $$ f(c)=m $$ i.e., $$ c^3-\sqrt{c}-20=0 $$ and the equation is solvable.

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