Mean Value Theorem

Rolle's theorem

Let f(x) be a function such that

  • f(x) is continuous on [𝒶,𝒷]
  • f(x) is differentiable on (𝒶,𝒷)
  • f(𝒶) =f(𝒷)

then there is ω∈ (𝒶,𝒷) such that f′ (ω) =0.

Mean Value Theorem

Let f(x) be a function such that

  • f(x) is continuous on [𝒶,𝒷]
  • f(x) is differentiable on (𝒶,𝒷)

then there is ω∈ (𝒶,𝒷) such that

f′ (ω) = f(𝒶) - f(𝒷) 𝒶-𝒷

If f′ (x) =0 for all x∈ (𝒶,𝒷) then f(x) is constant on (𝒶,𝒷).

If f′ (x) = g′ (x) for all x∈ (𝒶,𝒷) then f(x) - g(x) is constant on (𝒶,𝒷) i.e.,

g(x) = f(x) +𝒸

for some 𝒸∈ℝ .

Examples

Verify Rolle's theorem and find suitable ω for

  • f1 (x) = x2+2x over [-2,0]
  • f2 (x) = x3-4x over [-2,2]

Show that p(x) has exactly one root, where

p(x) = x3+3x +1

Verify Mean Value Theorem

  • f1 (x) = x over [0,9]
  • f2 (x) = x3-x over [0,2]