Mathematics
Author: Wilson Mkandawire
Date:March 11,2025
Topic: Rolle’s Theorem and Mean-Value
Theorem
1. ROLLE’S THEOREM
It states that a function f (x) must satisfy the following:
• The function f (x)is continuous at a closed interval of [a, b]
• f (a)=f (b)
• There exists at least a number call that number C in (a, b) such that
f ′ (c) = 0
proof
The proof rolles theorem involves the use of Extreme value theorem
let f (x) be a function that satisfies the rolle’s theorem conditions.
The function f (x) attains minimum and maximum values on (a, b).
since f (a) = f (b) = 0, the maximum and minimum values of f (x) must
occur at points c and at another point call that point d in (a, b).
Example
consider a function f (x) = x2 − 4 ,[−2, 2]
This function satisfies the conditions of rolle’s theorem
• f (x) is continuous at [−2, 2]
• f (x) is differentiable at [−2, 2]
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• f (−2) = f (2)
Then find f ′ (x) f (x) = x2 − 4 f ′ (x) = 2x sincef ′ (x) = f ′ (c) ⇒ f ′ (c) = 2c
Now ,set
f ′ (c) = 0 ⇒ 2c = 0 ⇒ c = 0
Then the value of c=0
Exercise 1
prove if the following functions satisfy rolle’s theorem:
1. f (x) = x2 − x − 6, [−1, 3]
2. f (x) = x3 − x2 + 3, [−2, 2]
3. 3f (x) = e3x , [0, 3]
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