Nested-bracket proof of the intermediate value theorem

For a short proof outline, endpoint values give the non-strict cases immediately. If $y$ is strictly between $f(a)$ and $f(b)$, apply the bisection method to the continuous function $g(x)=f(x)-y$. A midpoint with $g=0$ finishes the proof. Otherwise retain nested intervals $[a_k,b_k]$ with strictly opposite signs and widths $(b-a)2^{-k}$. The nested interval theorem, using completeness of the real numbers, gives a common point $c$ to which both endpoint sequences converge. After reversing the sign of $g$ if necessary, $g(a_k)<0<g(b_k)$. Continuity makes both endpoint value sequences converge to $g(c)$, forcing $g(c)\le 0$ and $g(c)\ge 0$, hence $f(c)=y$. The original endpoint values differ from $y$, so $c\in (a,b)$. This proof explains why a jump can defeat the construction: shrinking a candidate closed interval cannot supply the missing continuity.