Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem Examples
Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem Examples
Applying Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem (CMVT) to f(x) = x^2 and g(x) = x^3 on [1, 2], we verify the functions are continuous and differentiable on the interval, and g'(x) ≠ 0 for x in (1, 2). Calculating (f(2) - f(1))/(g(2) - g(1)) gives (4 - 1)/(8 - 1) = 3/7. We set f'(c)/g'(c) = 2c/3c^2 = 2/3c and equate to the previous result: 2/3c = 3/7, solving yields c = 14/9, which is within the interval (1, 2), confirming CMVT's validity .
Verifying that g'(x) ≠ 0 on the interval (a, b) is crucial for applying CMVT because it ensures that the ratio f'(c)/g'(c) is well-defined and non-singular for some c in the interval. If g'(x) were zero, the denominator in the ratio could become undefined or infinite, making the theorem inapplicable .
The equation 2/3c = 3/7 emerges from setting f'(c)/g'(c) = 2c/3c^2 equal to the computed (f(b) - f(a))/(g(b) - g(a)). Solving this equation yields the value of c in the interval, verifying that the theorem holds for the functions f(x) = x^2 and g(x) = x^3 on [1, 2]. It ensures that such a c satisfies the theorem's ratio equality condition within the interval .
Using f(x) = ln(x) and g(x) = x^2, CMVT gives f'(c)/g'(c) = (ln b - ln a) / (b^2 - a^2) = 1/(2c^2). A known identity allows us to express |(a ln b - b ln a)/(b - a)| as ln c / (2c). CMVT confirms this by ensuring there exists a c where these identities match, demonstrating consistency between differential and known function identities .
In Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem, the relationship is given by the equation f'(c)/g'(c) = (f(b) - f(a))/(g(b) - g(a)). This equation implies there exists a point c in (a, b) where the ratio of the derivatives matches the ratio of the increments in function values over the interval .
Solving for c involves: 1) Confirming the continuity and differentiability of f(x) and g(x) on the given interval and ensuring g'(x) ≠ 0; 2) Calculating (f(b) - f(a))/(g(b) - g(a)); 3) Setting f'(c)/g'(c) to equal this calculated ratio; and 4) Solving this equation for c, ensuring c falls within the open interval (a, b). This verifies the conditions for CMVT are met and determines the specific value of c .
Evaluating the right-hand side (RHS) for CMVT with f(x) = e^x and g(x) = e^(-x) involves substantial numerical calculations like (e^7 - e^3) / (e^(-7) - e^(-3)), which can be cumbersome and complex to compute by hand. A calculator efficiently provides accurate values, which are essential for solving the equation -e^(2c) = RHS to find c .
For f(x) = e^x and g(x) = e^(-x) on (3, 7), we compute the left side of CMVT as -e^(2c). The right side is evaluated as (e^7 - e^3) / (e^(-7) - e^(-3)). The equality -e^(2c) = RHS establishes the existence of a c in (3, 7) such that the ratio of derivative equations holds, confirming CMVT .
To apply Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem, the functions must be continuous on the closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b). Additionally, the derivative g'(x) must be non-zero on (a, b). These conditions ensure the existence of a value c in (a, b) where the theorem's equation holds .
Continuity on [a, b] and differentiability on (a, b) are crucial for ensuring that Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem applies because they guarantee the smoothness necessary for defining and solving the derivatives' ratio over the interval. This makes it possible to find a specific c where f'(c)/g'(c) matches the set difference ratio, fulfilling the theorem's claims .