AP Calc Notes: DA2 – 2 Mean Value Theorem

Mean Value Theorem (MVT): If f is continuous on [a, b], differentiable on (a, b), then there exists a number
c in (a, b) such that
f (b ) − f ( a )
f '(c) = .
b−a

1. The instantaneous rate of change of f at x = c

y = f(x)
y is the same as the average rate of change of f on
[a, b].

2. The slope of the tangent line at x = c is the

same as the slope of the secant line.

x 3. This existence is only guaranteed for

a c b
continuous, differentiable functions.

The Mean Value Theorem Song

Tune: “From the Halls of Montezuma”

If a function is continuous
On a closed set “a” to “b” Similar to the IVT (existence of y-values),
And it’s also differentiable the MVT is an existence theorem for values
On the open set “a” “b” of the derivative.
You can always find a “c” inside
Such that f prime at point c
Is equivalent to just the slope
Of the line from a to b

To invoke this theorem, Harry Potter (and you) need to use the right words. There are many correct ways to
say it but unfortunately, an even larger number of incorrect ways. I suggest you model your answers
after the following example.

Q: A differentiable function for all real numbers, f(x), has values f(3) = 7 and f(5) = 10. Explain why there
3
must be a value d for 3 ≤ d ≤ 5 such that f ' ( d ) = .
2

f ( 5 ) − f ( 3) 10 − 7 3 3
A: Since f(x) is a differentiable function on (3,5) with = = , by the MVT, f ' ( d ) =
5−3 2 2 2
for some d in (3,5).
Ex: The function f ( x ) is continuous on [0, 20] and differentiable on (0, 20). Select values of f ( x ) are given
in the table below.
x 0 5 10 15 20
f ( x) -1 6 16 -4 -9

a. Explain why there is a value, b for 0 < b < 20 such that f ' ( b ) = −1 .

Since _______ is a differentiable function on _______ with __________=___________ ,

by the MVT, __________for some ___in ___________.

Ex: Let f be a function that is differentiable for all real numbers. The table below gives the values of f and its
derivative f ' for selected points x in the closed interval -1.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.5. The second derivative of f has the
property that f " ( x ) > 0 for -1.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.5.
x -1.5 -1.0 -0.5 0 0.5 1.0 1.5
f ( x) -1 -4 -6 -7 -6 -4 -1
f '( x) -7 -5 -3 0 3 5 7

Find a positive real number r having the property that there must exist a value c with 0 < c < 0.5 and f " ( c ) = r .
Give a reason for your answer.

Ex: Find the value(s) of c guaranteed by the MVT or tell why MVT does not apply.

1
f ( x) = on [2, 5]
x2
Ex: Suppose that f(3) = 5 and f '(x) ≤ 4 for all values of x. Use the MVT to determine

a. an upper bound for f(8).

b. a lower bound for f(0).

Rolle’s Theorem: If f is continuous on [a, b], differentiable on (a, b) and f ( a ) = f ( b ) , then there is a point c
in (a, b) such that f '(c) = 0.

If a and b are both roots, then somewhere in

y y = f(x) (a, b) is a point where f has a horizontal
tangent line (not necessarily a max or min.)

a c x
b