4.4 The Mean Value Theorem - Calculus Volume 1 | OpenStax (2024)

Learning Objectives

  • 4.4.1Explain the meaning of Rolle’s theorem.
  • 4.4.2Describe the significance of the Mean Value Theorem.
  • 4.4.3State three important consequences of the Mean Value Theorem.

The Mean Value Theorem is one of the most important theorems in calculus. We look at some of its implications at the end of this section. First, let’s start with a special case of the Mean Value Theorem, called Rolle’s theorem.

Rolle’s Theorem

Informally, Rolle’s theorem states that if the outputs of a differentiable function ff are equal at the endpoints of an interval, then there must be an interior point cc where f(c)=0.f(c)=0. Figure 4.21 illustrates this theorem.

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Figure 4.21 If a differentiable function f satisfies f(a)=f(b),f(a)=f(b), then its derivative must be zero at some point(s) between aa and b.b.

Theorem 4.4

Rolle’s Theorem

Let ff be a continuous function over the closed interval [a,b][a,b] and differentiable over the open interval (a,b)(a,b) such that f(a)=f(b).f(a)=f(b). There then exists at least one c(a,b)c(a,b) such that f(c)=0.f(c)=0.

Proof

Let k=f(a)=f(b).k=f(a)=f(b). We consider three cases:

  1. f(x)=kf(x)=k for all x(a,b).x(a,b).
  2. There exists x(a,b)x(a,b) such that f(x)>k.f(x)>k.
  3. There exists x(a,b)x(a,b) such that f(x)<k.f(x)<k.

Case 1: If f(x)=kf(x)=k for all x(a,b),x(a,b), then f(x)=0f(x)=0 for all x(a,b).x(a,b).

Case 2: Since ff is a continuous function over the closed, bounded interval [a,b],[a,b], by the extreme value theorem, it has an absolute maximum. Also, since there is a point x(a,b)x(a,b) such that f(x)>k,f(x)>k, the absolute maximum is greater than k.k. Therefore, the absolute maximum does not occur at either endpoint. As a result, the absolute maximum must occur at an interior point c(a,b).c(a,b). Because ff has a maximum at an interior point c,c, and ff is differentiable at c,c, by Fermat’s theorem, f(c)=0.f(c)=0.

Case 3: The case when there exists a point x(a,b)x(a,b) such that f(x)<kf(x)<k is analogous to case 2, with maximum replaced by minimum.

An important point about Rolle’s theorem is that the differentiability of the function ff is critical. If ff is not differentiable, even at a single point, the result may not hold. For example, the function f(x)=|x|1f(x)=|x|1 is continuous over [−1,1][−1,1] and f(−1)=0=f(1),f(−1)=0=f(1), but f(c)0f(c)0 for any c(−1,1)c(−1,1) as shown in the following figure.

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Figure 4.22 Since f(x)=|x|1f(x)=|x|1 is not differentiable at x=0,x=0, the conditions of Rolle’s theorem are not satisfied. In fact, the conclusion does not hold here; there is no c(−1,1)c(−1,1) such that f(c)=0.f(c)=0.

Let’s now consider functions that satisfy the conditions of Rolle’s theorem and calculate explicitly the points cc where f(c)=0.f(c)=0.

Example 4.14

Using Rolle’s Theorem

For each of the following functions, verify that the function satisfies the criteria stated in Rolle’s theorem and find all values cc in the given interval where f(c)=0.f(c)=0.

  1. f(x)=x2+2xf(x)=x2+2x over [−2,0][−2,0]
  2. f(x)=x34xf(x)=x34x over [−2,2][−2,2]

Solution

  1. Since ff is a polynomial, it is continuous and differentiable everywhere. In addition, f(−2)=0=f(0).f(−2)=0=f(0). Therefore, ff satisfies the criteria of Rolle’s theorem. We conclude that there exists at least one value c(−2,0)c(−2,0) such that f(c)=0.f(c)=0. Since f(x)=2x+2=2(x+1),f(x)=2x+2=2(x+1), we see that f(c)=2(c+1)=0f(c)=2(c+1)=0 implies c=−1c=−1 as shown in the following graph.
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    Figure 4.23 This function is continuous and differentiable over [−2,0],[−2,0], f(c)=0f(c)=0 when c=−1.c=−1.

  2. As in part a. ff is a polynomial and therefore is continuous and differentiable everywhere. Also, f(−2)=0=f(2).f(−2)=0=f(2). That said, ff satisfies the criteria of Rolle’s theorem. Differentiating, we find that f(x)=3x24.f(x)=3x24. Therefore, f(c)=0f(c)=0 when x=±23.x=±23. Both points are in the interval [−2,2],[−2,2], and, therefore, both points satisfy the conclusion of Rolle’s theorem as shown in the following graph.
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    Figure 4.24 For this polynomial over [−2,2],[−2,2], f(c)=0f(c)=0 at x=±2/3.x=±2/3.

Checkpoint 4.14

Verify that the function f(x)=2x28x+6f(x)=2x28x+6 defined over the interval [1,3][1,3] satisfies the conditions of Rolle’s theorem. Find all points cc guaranteed by Rolle’s theorem.

The Mean Value Theorem and Its Meaning

Rolle’s theorem is a special case of the Mean Value Theorem. In Rolle’s theorem, we consider differentiable functions ff defined on a closed interval [a,b][a,b] with f(a)=f(b)f(a)=f(b). The Mean Value Theorem generalizes Rolle’s theorem by considering functions that do not necessarily have equal value at the endpoints. Consequently, we can view the Mean Value Theorem as a slanted version of Rolle’s theorem (Figure 4.25). The Mean Value Theorem states that if ff is continuous over the closed interval [a,b][a,b] and differentiable over the open interval (a,b),(a,b), then there exists a point c(a,b)c(a,b) such that the tangent line to the graph of ff at cc is parallel to the secant line connecting (a,f(a))(a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)).(b,f(b)).

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Figure 4.25 The Mean Value Theorem says that for a function that meets its conditions, at some point the tangent line has the same slope as the secant line between the ends. For this function, there are two values c1c1 and c2c2 such that the tangent line to ff at c1c1 and c2c2 has the same slope as the secant line.

Theorem 4.5

Mean Value Theorem

Let ff be continuous over the closed interval [a,b][a,b] and differentiable over the open interval (a,b).(a,b). Then, there exists at least one point c(a,b)c(a,b) such that

f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.

Proof

The proof follows from Rolle’s theorem by introducing an appropriate function that satisfies the criteria of Rolle’s theorem. Consider the line connecting (a,f(a))(a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)).(b,f(b)). Since the slope of that line is

f(b)f(a)baf(b)f(a)ba

and the line passes through the point (a,f(a)),(a,f(a)), the equation of that line can be written as

y=f(b)f(a)ba(xa)+f(a).y=f(b)f(a)ba(xa)+f(a).

Let g(x)g(x) denote the vertical difference between the point (x,f(x))(x,f(x)) and the point (x,y)(x,y) on that line. Therefore,

g(x)=f(x)[f(b)f(a)ba(xa)+f(a)].g(x)=f(x)[f(b)f(a)ba(xa)+f(a)].

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Figure 4.26 The value g(x)g(x) is the vertical difference between the point (x,f(x))(x,f(x)) and the point (x,y)(x,y) on the secant line connecting (a,f(a))(a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)).(b,f(b)).

Since the graph of ff intersects the secant line when x=ax=a and x=b,x=b, we see that g(a)=0=g(b).g(a)=0=g(b). Since ff is a differentiable function over (a,b),(a,b), gg is also a differentiable function over (a,b).(a,b). Furthermore, since ff is continuous over [a,b],[a,b], gg is also continuous over [a,b].[a,b]. Therefore, gg satisfies the criteria of Rolle’s theorem. Consequently, there exists a point c(a,b)c(a,b) such that g(c)=0.g(c)=0. Since

g(x)=f(x)f(b)f(a)ba,g(x)=f(x)f(b)f(a)ba,

we see that

g(c)=f(c)f(b)f(a)ba.g(c)=f(c)f(b)f(a)ba.

Since g(c)=0,g(c)=0, we conclude that

f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.

In the next example, we show how the Mean Value Theorem can be applied to the function f(x)=xf(x)=x over the interval [0,9].[0,9]. The method is the same for other functions, although sometimes with more interesting consequences.

Example 4.15

Verifying that the Mean Value Theorem Applies

For f(x)=xf(x)=x over the interval [0,9],[0,9], show that ff satisfies the hypothesis of the Mean Value Theorem, and therefore there exists at least one value c(0,9)c(0,9) such that f(c)f(c) is equal to the slope of the line connecting (0,f(0))(0,f(0)) and (9,f(9)).(9,f(9)). Find these values cc guaranteed by the Mean Value Theorem.

Solution

We know that f(x)=xf(x)=x is continuous over [0,9][0,9] and differentiable over (0,9).(0,9). Therefore, ff satisfies the hypotheses of the Mean Value Theorem, and there must exist at least one value c(0,9)c(0,9) such that f(c)f(c) is equal to the slope of the line connecting (0,f(0))(0,f(0)) and (9,f(9))(9,f(9)) (Figure 4.27). To determine which value(s) of cc are guaranteed, first calculate the derivative of f.f. The derivative f(x)=1(2x).f(x)=1(2x). The slope of the line connecting (0,f(0))(0,f(0)) and (9,f(9))(9,f(9)) is given by

f ( 9 ) f ( 0 ) 9 0 = 9 0 9 0 = 3 9 = 1 3 . f ( 9 ) f ( 0 ) 9 0 = 9 0 9 0 = 3 9 = 1 3 .

We want to find cc such that f(c)=13.f(c)=13. That is, we want to find cc such that

1 2 c = 1 3 . 1 2 c = 1 3 .

Solving this equation for c,c, we obtain c=94.c=94. At this point, the slope of the tangent line equals the slope of the line joining the endpoints.

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Figure 4.27 The slope of the tangent line at c=9/4c=9/4 is the same as the slope of the line segment connecting (0,0)(0,0) and (9,3).(9,3).

One application that helps illustrate the Mean Value Theorem involves velocity. For example, suppose we drive a car for 1 h down a straight road with an average velocity of 45 mph. Let s(t)s(t) and v(t)v(t) denote the position and velocity of the car, respectively, for 0t10t1 h. Assuming that the position function s(t)s(t) is differentiable, we can apply the Mean Value Theorem to conclude that, at some time c(0,1),c(0,1), the speed of the car was exactly

v(c)=s(c)=s(1)s(0)10=45mph.v(c)=s(c)=s(1)s(0)10=45mph.

Example 4.16

Mean Value Theorem and Velocity

If a rock is dropped from a height of 100 ft, its position tt seconds after it is dropped until it hits the ground is given by the function s(t)=−16t2+100.s(t)=−16t2+100.

  1. Determine how long it takes before the rock hits the ground.
  2. Find the average velocity vavgvavg of the rock for when the rock is released and the rock hits the ground.
  3. Find the time tt guaranteed by the Mean Value Theorem when the instantaneous velocity of the rock is vavg.vavg.

Solution

  1. When the rock hits the ground, its position is s(t)=0.s(t)=0. Solving the equation −16t2+100=0−16t2+100=0 for t,t, we find that t=±52sec.t=±52sec. Since we are only considering t0,t0, the ball will hit the ground 5252 sec after it is dropped.
  2. The average velocity is given by

    vavg=s(5/2)s(0)5/20=01005/2=−40ft/sec.vavg=s(5/2)s(0)5/20=01005/2=−40ft/sec.

  3. The instantaneous velocity is given by the derivative of the position function. Therefore, we need to find a time tt such that v(t)=s(t)=vavg=−40ft/sec.v(t)=s(t)=vavg=−40ft/sec. Since s(t)s(t) is continuous over the interval [0,5/2][0,5/2] and differentiable over the interval (0,5/2),(0,5/2), by the Mean Value Theorem, there is guaranteed to be a point c(0,5/2)c(0,5/2) such that

    s(c)=s(5/2)s(0)5/20=−40.s(c)=s(5/2)s(0)5/20=−40.


    Taking the derivative of the position function s(t),s(t), we find that s(t)=−32t.s(t)=−32t. Therefore, the equation reduces to s(c)=−32c=−40.s(c)=−32c=−40. Solving this equation for c,c, we have c=54.c=54. Therefore, 5454 sec after the rock is dropped, the instantaneous velocity equals the average velocity of the rock during its free fall: −40−40 ft/sec.
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    Figure 4.28 At time t=5/4t=5/4 sec, the velocity of the rock is equal to its average velocity from the time it is dropped until it hits the ground.

Checkpoint 4.15

Suppose a ball is dropped from a height of 200 ft. Its position at time tt is s(t)=−16t2+200.s(t)=−16t2+200. Find the time tt when the instantaneous velocity of the ball equals its average velocity.

Corollaries of the Mean Value Theorem

Let’s now look at three corollaries of the Mean Value Theorem. These results have important consequences, which we use in upcoming sections.

At this point, we know the derivative of any constant function is zero. The Mean Value Theorem allows us to conclude that the converse is also true. In particular, if f(x)=0f(x)=0 for all xx in some interval I,I, then f(x)f(x) is constant over that interval. This result may seem intuitively obvious, but it has important implications that are not obvious, and we discuss them shortly.

Theorem 4.6

Corollary 1: Functions with a Derivative of Zero

Let ff be differentiable over an interval I.I. If f(x)=0f(x)=0 for all xI,xI, then f(x)=f(x)= constant for all xI.xI.

Proof

Since ff is differentiable over I,I, ff must be continuous over I.I. Suppose f(x)f(x) is not constant for all xx in I.I. Then there exist a,bI,a,bI, where abab and f(a)f(b).f(a)f(b). Choose the notation so that a<b.a<b. Therefore,

f(b)f(a)ba0.f(b)f(a)ba0.

Since ff is a differentiable function, by the Mean Value Theorem, there exists c(a,b)c(a,b) such that

f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.

Therefore, there exists cIcI such that f(c)0,f(c)0, which contradicts the assumption that f(x)=0f(x)=0 for all xI.xI.

From Corollary 1: Functions with a Derivative of Zero, it follows that if two functions have the same derivative, they differ by, at most, a constant.

Theorem 4.7

Corollary 2: Constant Difference Theorem

If ff and gg are differentiable over an interval II and f(x)=g(x)f(x)=g(x) for all xI,xI, then f(x)=g(x)+Cf(x)=g(x)+C for some constant C.C.

Proof

Let h(x)=f(x)g(x).h(x)=f(x)g(x). Then, h(x)=f(x)g(x)=0h(x)=f(x)g(x)=0 for all xI.xI. By Corollary 1, there is a constant CC such that h(x)=Ch(x)=C for all xI.xI. Therefore, f(x)=g(x)+Cf(x)=g(x)+C for all xI.xI.

The third corollary of the Mean Value Theorem discusses when a function is increasing and when it is decreasing. Recall that a function ff is increasing over II if f(x1)<f(x2)f(x1)<f(x2) whenever x1<x2,x1<x2, whereas ff is decreasing over II if f(x)1>f(x2)f(x)1>f(x2) whenever x1<x2.x1<x2. Using the Mean Value Theorem, we can show that if the derivative of a function is positive, then the function is increasing; if the derivative is negative, then the function is decreasing (Figure 4.29). We make use of this fact in the next section, where we show how to use the derivative of a function to locate local maximum and minimum values of the function, and how to determine the shape of the graph.

This fact is important because it means that for a given function f,f, if there exists a function FF such that F(x)=f(x);F(x)=f(x); then, the only other functions that have a derivative equal to ff are F(x)+CF(x)+C for some constant C.C. We discuss this result in more detail later in the chapter.

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Figure 4.29 If a function has a positive derivative over some interval I,I, then the function increases over that interval I;I; if the derivative is negative over some interval I,I, then the function decreases over that interval I.I.

Theorem 4.8

Corollary 3: Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Let ff be continuous over the closed interval [a,b][a,b] and differentiable over the open interval (a,b).(a,b).

  1. If f(x)>0f(x)>0 for all x(a,b),x(a,b), then ff is an increasing function over [a,b].[a,b].
  2. If f(x)<0f(x)<0 for all x(a,b),x(a,b), then ff is a decreasing function over [a,b].[a,b].

Proof

We will prove i.; the proof of ii. is similar. Suppose ff is not an increasing function on I.I. Then there exist aa and bb in II such that a<b,a<b, but f(a)>f(b).f(a)>f(b). Since ff is a differentiable function over I,I, by the Mean Value Theorem there exists c(a,b)c(a,b) such that

f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.

Since f(a)>f(b),f(a)>f(b), we know that f(b)f(a)<0.f(b)f(a)<0. Also, a<ba<b tells us that ba>0.ba>0. We conclude that

f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba<0.f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba<0.

However, f(x)>0f(x)>0 for all xI.xI. This is a contradiction, and therefore ff must be an increasing function over I.I.

Section 4.4 Exercises

148.

Why do you need continuity to apply the Mean Value Theorem? Construct a counterexample.

149.

Why do you need differentiability to apply the Mean Value Theorem? Find a counterexample.

150.

When are Rolle’s theorem and the Mean Value Theorem equivalent?

151.

If you have a function with a discontinuity, is it still possible to have f(c)(ba)=f(b)f(a)?f(c)(ba)=f(b)f(a)? Draw such an example or prove why not.

For the following exercises, determine over what intervals (if any) the Mean Value Theorem applies. Justify your answer.

152.

y = sin ( π x ) y = sin ( π x )

153.

y = 1 x 3 y = 1 x 3

154.

y = 4 x 2 y = 4 x 2

155.

y = x 2 4 y = x 2 4

156.

y = ln ( 3 x 5 ) y = ln ( 3 x 5 )

For the following exercises, graph the functions on a calculator and draw the secant line that connects the endpoints. Estimate the number of points cc such that f(c)(ba)=f(b)f(a).f(c)(ba)=f(b)f(a).

157.

[T] y=3x3+2x+1y=3x3+2x+1 over [−1,1][−1,1]

158.

[T] y=tan(π4x)y=tan(π4x) over [32,32][32,32]

159.

[T] y=x2cos(πx)y=x2cos(πx) over [−2,2][−2,2]

160.

[T] y=x634x598x4+1516x3+332x2+316x+132y=x634x598x4+1516x3+332x2+316x+132 over [−1,1][−1,1]

For the following exercises, use the Mean Value Theorem and find all points 0<c<20<c<2 such that f(2)f(0)=f(c)(20).f(2)f(0)=f(c)(20).

161.

f ( x ) = x 3 f ( x ) = x 3

162.

f ( x ) = sin ( π x ) f ( x ) = sin ( π x )

163.

f ( x ) = cos ( 2 π x ) f ( x ) = cos ( 2 π x )

164.

f ( x ) = 1 + x + x 2 f ( x ) = 1 + x + x 2

165.

f ( x ) = ( x 1 ) 10 f ( x ) = ( x 1 ) 10

166.

f ( x ) = ( x 1 ) 9 f ( x ) = ( x 1 ) 9

For the following exercises, show there is no cc such that f(1)f(−1)=f(c)(2).f(1)f(−1)=f(c)(2). Explain why the Mean Value Theorem does not apply over the interval [−1,1].[−1,1].

167.

f ( x ) = | x 1 2 | f ( x ) = | x 1 2 |

168.

f ( x ) = 1 x 2 f ( x ) = 1 x 2

169.

f ( x ) = | x | f ( x ) = | x |

170.

f(x)=xf(x)=x (Hint: This is called the floor function and it is defined so that f(x)f(x) is the largest integer less than or equal to x.)x.)

For the following exercises, determine whether the Mean Value Theorem applies for the functions over the given interval [a,b].[a,b]. Justify your answer.

171.

y=exy=ex over [0,1][0,1]

172.

y=ln(2x+3)y=ln(2x+3) over [32,0][32,0]

173.

f(x)=tan(2πx)f(x)=tan(2πx) over [0,2][0,2]

174.

y=9x2y=9x2 over [−3,3][−3,3]

175.

y=1|x+1|y=1|x+1| over [0,3][0,3]

176.

y=x3+2x+1y=x3+2x+1 over [0,6][0,6]

177.

y=x2+3x+2xy=x2+3x+2x over [−1,1][−1,1]

178.

y=xsin(πx)+1y=xsin(πx)+1 over [0,1][0,1]

179.

y=ln(x+1)y=ln(x+1) over [0,e1][0,e1]

180.

y=xsin(πx)y=xsin(πx) over [0,2][0,2]

181.

y=5+|x|y=5+|x| over [−1,1][−1,1]

For the following exercises, consider the roots of the equation.

182.

Show that the equation y=x3+4x+16y=x3+4x+16 has exactly one real root. What is it?

183.

Find the conditions for exactly one root (double root) for the equation y=x2+bx+cy=x2+bx+c

184.

Find the conditions for y=exby=exb to have one root. Is it possible to have more than one root?

For the following exercises, use a calculator to graph the function over the interval [a,b][a,b] and graph the secant line from aa to b.b. Use the calculator to estimate all values of cc as guaranteed by the Mean Value Theorem. Then, find the exact value of c,c, if possible, or write the final equation and use a calculator to estimate to four digits.

185.

[T] y=tan(πx)y=tan(πx) over [14,14][14,14]

186.

[T] y=1x+1y=1x+1 over [0,3][0,3]

187.

[T] y=|x2+2x4|y=|x2+2x4| over [−4,0][−4,0]

188.

[T] y=x+1xy=x+1x over [12,4][12,4]

189.

[T] y=x+1+1x2y=x+1+1x2 over [3,8][3,8]

190.

At 10:17 a.m., you pass a police car at 55 mph that is stopped on the freeway. You pass a second police car at 55 mph at 10:53 a.m., which is located 39 mi from the first police car. If the speed limit is 60 mph, can the police cite you for speeding?

191.

Two cars drive from one stoplight to the next, leaving at the same time and arriving at the same time. Is there ever a time when they are going the same speed? Prove or disprove.

192.

Show that y=sec2xy=sec2x and y=tan2xy=tan2x have the same derivative. What can you say about y=sec2xtan2x?y=sec2xtan2x?

193.

Show that y=csc2xy=csc2x and y=cot2xy=cot2x have the same derivative. What can you say about y=csc2xcot2x?y=csc2xcot2x?

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FAQs

What is the Mean Value Theorem in Calc 1? ›

The Mean Value Theorem states that if f is continuous over the closed interval [a,b] and differentiable over the open interval (a,b), then there exists a point c∈(a,b) such that the tangent line to the graph of f at c is parallel to the secant line connecting (a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)).

What is the Mean Value Theorem for volume integrals? ›

Mean Value Theorem for Integrals

If f(x) is continuous over an interval [a,b], then there is at least one point c∈[a,b] such that f(c)=1b−a∫baf(x)dx.

What is the MVT AP Calc? ›

The Mean Value Theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on an open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) where the instantaneous rate of change (derivative) equals the average rate of change over the interval.

What is the answer to the Mean Value Theorem? ›

The Mean Value Theorem states that if a function f is continuous on the closed interval [a,b] and differentiable on the open interval (a,b), then there exists a point c in the interval (a,b) such that f'(c) is equal to the function's average rate of change over [a,b].

How to find c value MVT? ›

To find the c-value guaranteed by the MVT, such that the instantaneous rate of change when x = c is 2, we differentiate, set f'(x) = 2, and solve: f'(x) = 2x = 2 and x = 1. c = 1 is the only c-value in the interval at which the instantaneous rate of change = the average rate of change.

What is the mean value theorem of integral calculus? ›

The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that for a continuous function over a closed interval, there is a value c such that f(c) equals the average value of the function.

How to prove the mean value theorem? ›

Mean Value Theorem Proof

We know that the equation of the secant line is y - y1 = m (x - x1). h(a) = h(b) = 0 and h(x) is continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b). Thus applying the Rolles theorem, there is some x = c in (a, b) such that h'(c) = 0. Thus the mean value theorem is proved.

How do you write an MVT statement? ›

The Mean Value Theorem (MVT).

The final equation can be interpreted as follows: There is at least one point c in the interval at which the instantaneous rate of change f '(c) is the same as the average rate of change [f(b) – f(a)]/[b – a]. Let's try to understand this result by way of a more familiar example.

How do you justify MVT? ›

When writing a justification using the MVT, you must state the function is differentiable (continuity is implied by differentiability) even if this information is provided in the question.

What is the Mean Value Theorem in BC Calc? ›

Explanation: The mean value theorem states that for a planar arc passing through a starting and endpoint , there exists at a minimum one point, , within the interval for which a line tangent to the curve at this point is parallel to the secant passing through the starting and end points.

What is mean value theorem in your own words? ›

In mathematics, the mean value or Lagrange theorem from the branch of mathematical analysis states, roughly, that for a "smooth" arc between two endpoints on a plane, there is at least one point on the arc whose tangent line is parallel to the line connecting its endpoints (its secant, see figure).

What is the mean value theorem conclusion? ›

The conclusion is that there exists a point in the interval such that the tangent at the point c , f c is parallel to the line that passes through the points a , f a and b , f b .

What is the mean value theorem good for? ›

The main use of the mean value theorem is in justifying statements that many people wrongly take to be too obvious to need justification. One example of such a statement is the following. (*) If the derivative of a function f is everywhere strictly positive, then f is a strictly increasing function.

What are the value theorems in calculus? ›

There are three main existence theorems in calculus: the intermediate value theorem, the extreme value theorem, and the mean value theorem. They all guarantee the existence of a point on the graph of a function that has certain features, which is why they are called this way.

What is evt in calculus? ›

The extreme value theorem states that a function that is continuous over a closed interval is guaranteed to have a maximum or minimum value over a closed interval.

What is the Mean Value Theorem of integral calculus? ›

The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that a continuous function on a closed interval takes on its average value at the same point in that interval.

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