Rolle’s Theorem:

If (a) 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous in the closed interval 𝑎, 𝑏

(b) 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) exist in the open interval 𝑎, 𝑏 and,

(c) 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏),

Then there exist at least one value "𝑐", 𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏 such that 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0.

f(x)

f(x)
f(a)
f(a) f(b)
f(b) f(x)

a c b a c b a c b

Rolle’s Theorem: Let f be differentiable on (𝑎, 𝑏) and continuous on [𝑎, 𝑏]. If

𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏), then there is at least one number 𝑐 in (𝑎, 𝑏) such that 𝑓′(𝑐) = 0.

i.e. at least one point where the tangent line is horizontal.

Proof: Since the function is continuous in the closed interval , 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏 it has a

greatest value 𝑀 and a least value 𝑚 , in the interval. So that, there are two

numbers c and d such that, 𝑓 𝑐 = 𝑀, 𝑓 𝑑 = 𝑚.

To prove this theorem, there arise two cases, .

To prove this theorem, there arise two cases, 𝑖 𝐼𝑓 𝑀 = 𝑚 or , 𝑖𝑖 𝑀 ≠ 𝑚.

When 𝑴 and 𝒎 are equal:

When the greatest value coinside with the least value as in the case (i), the function

reduce to a constant, so that the derivative is equal to 0 for every values of 𝑥 and

therefore theorem is true in this case.

𝑓 ’(𝑥) = 0

c a c b

When 𝑴 and 𝒎 are not equal:

Since the greatest value of the function at 𝑥 = 𝑐 is 𝑓(𝑐).
∴ 𝑓 𝑐 + 𝑕 − 𝑓(𝑐) and 𝑓 𝑐 − 𝑕 − 𝑓(𝑐) both are negative, when 𝑕 is very small
number.
𝑓 𝑐 + 𝑕 − 𝑓(𝑐)
∴ ≤ 0 … .. …… … …. (1)
𝑕

𝑓 𝑐 − 𝑕 − 𝑓(𝑐)
≥ 0 … .. …… … …. (2)
−𝑕
When 𝑕 → 0, then equation (1) and (2) becomes,

𝑓 𝑐 + 𝑕 − 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑅𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = lim ≤ 0. .. …. … (3)
𝑕→0 𝑕

𝑓 𝑐−𝑕 −𝑓 𝑐
𝐿𝑓 ′ 𝑐
= lim ≥ 0 . .. …. … (4)
𝑕→0 −𝑕

From equation (3) and (4) we can say 𝑓 ′ (𝑐) will exist if 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0.

Similarly, for least value 𝑓 𝑑 = 𝑚, we can also prove, 𝑓 ′ 𝑑 = 0.

∴ for both the cases Rolle’s theorem is provided.

Mean Value Theorem: Roller’s theorem is a special case of Mean Value

theorem, which states that between any two point 𝐴 and 𝐵 on the graph of a

differentiable function, there must be at least one place where the tangent line to

the curve is parallel to the secand line joining 𝐴 and 𝐵.

𝐵 𝑏, 𝑓 𝑏
y=f(x)

𝐴 𝑎, 𝑓 𝑎

a c b
 Noting that the slope of the secand line joining 𝐴 𝑎, 𝑓 𝑎 and
𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
𝐵 𝑏, 𝑓 𝑏 is and the slope of the tangent line at 𝑐, 𝑓 ′ (𝑐), then the Mean
𝑏−𝑎
Value theorem can be stated preciously as follows,

(i) 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous in the closed interval 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏.

(ii) 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) exist in 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏, then there exist at least one value 𝑐, in 𝑎 < 𝑐 <
𝑏 such that
𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
= 𝑓 ′ (𝑐)
𝑏−𝑎

𝐵(𝑏, 𝑓(𝑏))

𝑨 (𝒂, 𝒇(𝒂) 𝑨 (𝒂, 𝒇(𝒂)

𝑩(𝒃, 𝒇(𝒃))

x=a x=b
x=a x=b

𝑦 2 −𝑦 1 𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
Slope of the line AB = =
𝑥 2 −𝑥 1 𝑏−𝑎

Since 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous and differentiable in 𝑎, 𝑏 then, at each point between A

and B we get a unique tangent, and in these entire tangent there exist a tangent
corresponding to 𝑥 = 𝑐 ∈ 𝑎, 𝑏 such that it is parallel to the line AB.

So, slope of tangent at 𝑥 = 𝑐 = slope of line AB.

𝑓 𝑏 − 𝑓(𝑎)
∴ 𝑓′ 𝑐 =
𝑏−𝑎
Velocity Interpretation of MVT:

When 𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑡) is the position versus time curve for a car moving along a straight

road, then the R.S of MVT gives the average velocity over the interval 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏,

and the LHS of MVT is the instantaneous velocity at time 𝑡 = 𝑐.

Thus the Mean Value theorem implies that at least once during the time interval

the instantaneous velocity must be equal to the average velocity. This agrees with

our real world experience – if the average velocity for a trip is 40 mi/h, then

sometime during the trip the speedometer has to read 40 mi/h.

Example: A man is driving on a straight highway on which the speed limit is

55 𝑚/𝑕. At 8:05 am a police car clocks your velocity at 50 𝑚/𝑕 and at 8:10 am a

second police car posted 5 m down the road clock your velocity at 55 𝑚/𝑕. Explain

why the police have right to charge you with a speeding violation.

1
Solution: The man traveled 5𝑚 in 5𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ( 𝑕)
12

5𝑚
⇒ His average velocity was 1 = 60 𝑚/𝑕.
12
𝑕

However, the MVT guarantees the police that his instantaneous velocity was 60 m/h
at least once over the 5 m section of highways.
5𝑚
= 60 𝑚/𝑕
1
( )𝑕
12
Proof of First Mean Value Theorem:

Let, 𝜑 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝐴𝑥 … … … (1)

Which satisfy all the condition of Rolle ’s Theorem.

Now, 𝜑 𝑎 = 𝑓 𝑎 − 𝐴𝑎 𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓 𝑎
𝑦−𝑓 𝑎 = (𝑥 − 𝑎)
𝑏−𝑎
𝜑 𝑏 = 𝑓 𝑏 − 𝐴𝑏 𝑦−𝑓 𝑎 (𝑥 − 𝑎)
⇒ =
𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓 𝑎 𝑏−𝑎
According to Rolle ’s Theorem 𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓 𝑎
⇒𝑦=𝑓 𝑎 + (𝑥 − 𝑎)
𝑏−𝑎
𝜑 𝑎 = 𝜑(𝑏) ⇒ 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐴𝑥

⇒ 𝑓 𝑎 − 𝐴𝑎 = 𝑓 𝑏 − 𝐴𝑏

𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
⇒𝐴= ….. …. …. (2)
𝑏−𝑎

From (1) and (2) we get,

𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
𝜑 𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑥 …. …. …. (3)
𝑏−𝑎

Now from (3) and given 𝜑 𝑥 is continuous in 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏 and

differentiable in 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏 and 𝜑 𝑎 = 𝜑(𝑏) .

If satisfy all the condition of Rolle’s theorem then, 𝜑′ 𝑐 = 0, when

𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏.

Now differentiate (3) we get,

𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
𝜑′ 𝑥 = 𝑓′(𝑥) −
𝑏−𝑎
 𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓 𝑎
i.e. 𝜑′ (𝑐) = 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 − =0
𝑏−𝑎

𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓 𝑎
i.e. 𝑓′ 𝑐 = . (Proved)
𝑏−𝑎

Mean Value Theorem (Cauchy’s Theorem):

Let 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝐹(𝑥) be two functions such that

(i) both are continuous in 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏.

(ii) 𝑓′(𝑥)and 𝐹′(𝑥) exist in 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏, do not vanish simultaneously

(iii) 𝐹(𝑎) ≠ 𝐹(𝑏), then there exist a point 𝑥 = 𝑐 in (𝑎, 𝑏), where
𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎) 𝑓 ′ (𝑐)
= .
𝐹 𝑏 −𝐹(𝑎) 𝐹 ′ (𝑐)

𝑖.e the ratio of the vertical distance of two function = ratio of the slop of
the two function at point 𝐶

Problem 01: Verify Rolle’s theorem for 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6 in

−6, 1 .

Solution: Given function, 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6 … … … (1)

∴ 𝑓 −6 = 36 − 36 = 0, 𝑓 1 =6−6=0
∴ 𝑓 −6 = 𝑓(1)
𝑓 𝑥+𝑕 −𝑓(𝑥)
Now, 𝑅𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim𝑕→0+
𝑕

𝑥+𝑕 2 +5 𝑥+𝑕 −6−𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6

= lim𝑕→0+
𝑕
 2𝑥𝑕+𝑕 2 +5𝑕
= lim𝑕→0+
𝑕

= lim𝑕→0+(2𝑥 + 𝑕 + 5)

= 2𝑥 + 5

𝑓 𝑥−𝑕 −𝑓(𝑥)
And 𝐿𝑓′ 𝑥 = lim𝑕→0−
−𝑕

𝑥−𝑕 2 +5 𝑥−𝑕 −6−𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6

= lim𝑕→0−
−𝑕

−2𝑥𝑕−𝑕 2 −5𝑕
= lim𝑕→0−
−𝑕

= lim𝑕→0−(2𝑥 + 𝑕 + 5)

= 2𝑥 + 5

∴ 𝑅𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝐿𝑓 ′ (𝑥) .

Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) exist in (−6, 1), so the function is continuous on (−6, 1).
Since every differentiable function is continuous. So, Rolle ’s
theorem is verified on (−6, 1).

Now, according to Rolle ’s theorem

𝑓′ 𝑐 = 0

⇒ 2𝑐 + 5 = 0, [𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 5]

5
⟹ 𝑐 = − ∈ (−6, 1)
2
 5
So, 𝑐 = − , lies in the interval (−6, 1). Thus theorem is verified.
2

2
Problem 02: Verify Rolle’s theorem for 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑥 − 1 in the
interval [0,1].

2
Solution: Given 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑥 − 1 = 𝑥 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 and
[0,1]

1) Since 𝑓(𝑥)is polynomial, so it is continuous in [0, 1] /or, Since 𝑓(𝑥) is exist

for all 𝑥 ∈ [0, 1] . So, 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous in [0, 1].
2) 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 is exist for all values 𝑥 ∈ (0, 1), so 𝑓(𝑥) is
differentiable in 0, 1 .
3) 𝑓 0 = 0, 𝑓 1 = 0. ⇒ 𝑓 0 = 𝑓 1 = 0.

Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) satisfies all three conditions of Rolle ’s Theorem. So there exist a
value 𝑥 = 𝑐 such that

𝑓′ 𝑐 = 0

⇒ 3𝑐 2 − 4𝑐 + 1 = 0

⇒ 3𝑐 − 1 𝑐 − 1 = 0

1
⇒ 𝑐 = ,1
3
1 1
Since, 𝑐 = ∈ (0,1 ) and 𝑓 ′ = 0. Hence Rolle’s theorem is verified.
3 3
 Problem 03: Verify Rolle’s theorem for 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 in
−2, 1 .

Solution: Here, 𝑓 −2 = (−2)3 − (−2)2 − 4 −2 + 4 = 0

𝑓 1 = (1)3 − (1)2 − 4.1 + 4 = 0

∴ 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑓 −2 = 𝑓 1 = 0.

We know 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous as well as differentiable in −2, 1 .

Now, 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 4

𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 3𝑐 2 − 2𝑐 − 4

⇒ 𝑐 = −0.87, 1.53.

Since, 𝑐 = −0.87 lies in the interval −2, 1 .

Hence, Rolle’s Theorem is verified.

For Practice:

2
1. Verify Rolle’s theorem for the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 in −1, 1 .
3

𝜋 𝜋
2. Verify Rolle’s theorem for the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 cos 𝑥 in − , .
2 2
Problem 04: Verify Lagrange’s M.V.T. for 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 in
– 𝜋, 𝜋 .

Solution: Given, 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥, – 𝜋, 𝜋

1) 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 is exist for all values of 𝑥 ∈, – 𝜋, 𝜋 , hence

𝑓(𝑥) is continuous in , – 𝜋, 𝜋 .

2) 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 1 − 2 cos 𝑥 is exist for all 𝑥 ∈, – 𝜋, 𝜋 , hence 𝑓(𝑥) is

differentiable in open interval – 𝜋, 𝜋 .

3) Hence 𝑓(𝑥) is satisfy of all conditions. So there exist at least
𝑓 𝑏 −𝑓(𝑎)
one value 𝑥 = 𝑐 such that , 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 =
𝑏−𝑎

𝑓 𝜋 − 𝑓(−𝜋) 2𝜋
∴ 1 − 2 cos 𝑐 = = =1
𝜋 − (−𝜋) 2𝜋
Since 𝑓 𝜋 = 𝜋 − 2 sin 𝜋 = 𝜋
𝑓 −𝜋 = −𝜋 − 2 sin(−𝜋) = −𝜋
∴ 1 − 2 cos 𝑐 = 1
⇒ 2 cos 𝑐 = 0
⇒ cos 𝑐 = 0
𝜋 𝜋
∴ 𝑐 = − , ∈ −𝜋, 𝜋
2 2

Hence Lagranges M.V.T is verified.

Problem 05: If 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 3 , 𝑥 lying in the interval
0, 4 . Verify 𝑓(𝑥) satisfy M.V.T and find 𝑐.

Solution: Given, 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 3

Now, 𝑓 0 = 0 − 1 0 − 2 0 − 3 = −6

𝑓 4 = 4−1 4−2 4−3 =6

𝑓(4) − 𝑓(0)
∴ = 𝑓′(𝑐)
(4 − 0)

Now, 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 = 11𝑥 − 6

𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 11

6+6
∴ = 3𝑐 2 − 12𝑐 + 11
4

⇒ 3𝑐 2 − 12𝑐 + 8 = 0

6±2 3
⇒𝑐=
2

∴ 𝑐 = 3.15, 0.84

Since 3.15 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 0.84 lie on 0,4 , hence M.V.T is satisfied.

 Problem 06: Using M.V.T prove that

1−𝑥 ln (1+𝑥)
< < 1, when 0 < 𝑥 < 1.
1+𝑥 sin −1 𝑥

Solution: Let, 𝑓 𝑥 = ln(1 + 𝑥)

1
∴ 𝑓′ 𝑥 =
1+𝑥

1
∴ 𝑓′ 𝑐 = 𝑤𝑕𝑒𝑟𝑒, 0 < 𝑐 < 𝑥
1+𝑐

By M.V.T ,

ln 1+𝑥 −𝑙𝑛 1 1
= 0<𝑐<𝑥
𝑥−0 1+𝑐

ln (1+𝑥) 1
⇒ =
𝑥 1+𝑐

Since, 0 < 𝑐 and 𝑐 < 𝑥

1
<1
1+𝑐

1 1
∴ <
1+𝑥 1+𝑐

1 1
⇒ < <1 … … … (1)
1+𝑥 1+𝑐

Again let, 𝑓 𝑥 = sin−1 𝑥

1
∴ 𝑓′ 𝑥 =
1−𝑥 2
 1
𝑓 ′ 𝑐1 = 𝑤𝑕𝑒𝑟𝑒, 0 < 𝑐1 < 𝑥
1−𝑐12

By M.V.T

sin −1 𝑥−sin −1 0 1
= , 0 < 𝑐1 < 𝑥
𝑥−0
1−𝑐12

𝑥
⇒ = 1 − 𝑐12
sin −1 𝑥

Since, 0 < 𝑐1 < 𝑥

∴ 1 − 𝑥2 < 1 − 𝑐12 < 1

𝑥
⇒ 1 − 𝑥2 < <1 … …. …. (2)
sin −1 𝑥

Multiplying (1) and (2) we get,

1 − 𝑥 2 ln(1 + 𝑥)
< <1
1+𝑥 sin−1 𝑥

1−𝑥 ln (1+𝑥)
⇒ < <1
1+𝑥 sin −1 𝑥

(Proved)

Problem 07: If 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 , 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 on (1, 2), then verify Cauchy

theorem.
Solution: Since both 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) are polynomial functions, they are

continuous and differentiable in ( 1, 2).

Now, 𝑓 2 = 22 = 4, 𝑓 1 = 12 = 4

𝑔 2 = 23 = 8, 𝑔 1 = 13 = 1

According to Cauchy’ M.V.T

𝑓 2 − 𝑓(1) 𝑓 ′ (𝑐)
=
𝑔 2 − 𝑔(1) 𝑔′ (𝑐)

4−1 2𝑐
⇒ = 2
8 − 1 3𝑐

3 2𝑐
⇒ = 2
7 3𝑐

⇒ 9𝑐 2 − 14𝑐 = 0

⇒ 𝑐 9𝑐 − 14 = 0

14
∴ 𝑐 = 0, = 1.4
9

14
Since , 𝑐 = lies in the interval (1, 2) .
9

Hence , Cauchy theorem is verified.