11/19/2018 The Mean-Value Theorem

A Math Formula

01

The Mean-Value Theorem

The Mean Value Theorem is one of the most important theoretical tools in Calculus. It states that if f(x) is defined and continuous on
the interval [a,b] and differentiable on (a,b), then there is at least one number c in the interval (a,b) (that is a < c < b) such that

The special case, when f(a) = f(b) is known as Rolle's Theorem. In this case, we have f '(c) =0. In other words, there exists a point in the
interval (a,b) which has a horizontal tangent. In fact, the Mean Value Theorem can be stated also in terms of slopes. Indeed, the number

is the slope of the line passing through (a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)). So the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem states that there exists a point
such that the tangent line is parallel to the line passing through (a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)). (see Picture)

Example. Let , a = -1and b=1. We have

On the other hand, for any , not equal to 0, we have

So the equation

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11/19/2018 The Mean-Value Theorem
does not have a solution in c. This does not contradict the Mean Value Theorem, since f(x) is not even continuous on [-1,1].

Remark. It is clear that the derivative of a constant function is 0. But you may wonder whether a function with derivative zero is
constant. The answer is yes. Indeed, let f(x) be a differentiable function on an interval I, with f '(x) =0, for every . Then for any a
and b in I, the Mean Value Theorem implies

for some c between a and b. So our assumption implies

Thus f(b) = f(a) for any aand b in I, which means that f(x) is constant.

Exercise 1. Show that the equation

2x3 + 3x2 + 6x + 1 = 0

has exactly one real root.

Answer.

Exercise 2. Show that

for all real numbers a and b. Try to find a more general statement.

Answer.

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