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Rolles Theorem Notes

Rolle's Theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], differentiable on (a, b), and has equal values at the endpoints, then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) where the derivative f'(c) equals zero. Geometrically, this means that a smooth curve starting and ending at the same height must have a horizontal tangent at some point in between. The theorem is related to the Mean Value Theorem, where the condition f(a) = f(b) leads to a zero slope between the endpoints.

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558 views1 page

Rolles Theorem Notes

Rolle's Theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], differentiable on (a, b), and has equal values at the endpoints, then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) where the derivative f'(c) equals zero. Geometrically, this means that a smooth curve starting and ending at the same height must have a horizontal tangent at some point in between. The theorem is related to the Mean Value Theorem, where the condition f(a) = f(b) leads to a zero slope between the endpoints.

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shrimayikd
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Rolle's Theorem - Notes & Visual

Statement:
If a function f(x) satisfies the following conditions on the closed interval [a, b]:
1. Continuous on [a, b]
2. Differentiable on (a, b)
3. f(a) = f(b)
Then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) such that f'(c) = 0.

Geometric Meaning:
If a smooth curve starts and ends at the same height, at some point between them the tangent must
be horizontal.

Example:
For f(x) = x² - 4x + 3 on [1, 3]:
- Continuous and differentiable (polynomial function)
- f(1) = 0, f(3) = 0 ⇒ equal values at ends
- Derivative: f'(x) = 2x - 4 ⇒ f'(c) = 0 gives c = 2
Thus, at x = 2 the slope is zero.

Relation to Mean Value Theorem:


MVT says f'(c) = [f(b) - f(a)] / (b - a). In Rolle's Theorem, f(a) = f(b), so the right-hand side is zero.

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