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Mean Value Theorem for Integrals Explained

The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that for a continuous function on a closed interval, there exists at least one point where the function's value equals its average value over that interval. The document explains the theorem mathematically and provides a proof using the extreme value theorem and the intermediate value theorem. Additionally, it includes examples and practice problems related to finding the average value of functions.

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25 views3 pages

Mean Value Theorem for Integrals Explained

The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that for a continuous function on a closed interval, there exists at least one point where the function's value equals its average value over that interval. The document explains the theorem mathematically and provides a proof using the extreme value theorem and the intermediate value theorem. Additionally, it includes examples and practice problems related to finding the average value of functions.

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iitmjp.m1
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Calculus II

Module 1: Integration

Search for:

The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals

LEARNING OUTCOMES

 Describe the meaning of the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals


The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that a continuous function on a closed
interval takes on its average value at the same point in that interval. The theorem
guarantees that if f(x) is continuous, a point c exists in an interval [a,b] such that the
value of the function at c is equal to the average value of f(x) over [a,b]. We state this
theorem mathematically with the help of the formula for the average value of a function
that we presented at the end of the preceding section.
THE MEAN VALUE THEOREM FOR INTEGRALS

If f(x) is continuous over an interval [a,b], then there is at least one point c∈[a,b] such that
f(c)=1b−a∫baf(x)dx.

This formula can also be stated as


∫baf(x)dx=f(c)(b−a).

Proof

Since f(x) is continuous on [a,b], by the extreme value theorem (see Maxima and
Minima), it assumes minimum and maximum values—m and M, respectively—
on [a,b]. Then, for all x in [a,b], we have m≤f(x)≤M. Therefore, by the comparison
theorem (see The Definite Integral), we have
m(b−a)≤∫baf(x)dx≤M(b−a).

Dividing by b−a gives us


m≤1b−a∫baf(x)dx≤M.

Since 1b−a∫baf(x)dx is a number between m and M, and since f(x) is continuous and
assumes the values m and M over [a,b], by the Intermediate Value Theorem
(see Continuity), there is a number c over [a,b] such that
f(c)=1b−a∫baf(x)dx,

and the proof is complete.

■
EXAMPLE: FINDING THE AVERAGE VALUE OF A FUNCTION

Find the average value of the function f(x)=8−2x over the interval [0,4] and
find c such that f(c) equals the average value of the function over [0,4].
Show Solution

Watch the following video to see the worked solution to Example: Finding the Average
Value of a Function.

Closed Captioning and Transcript Information for Video

TRY IT

Find the average value of the function f(x)=x2 over the interval [0,6] and find c such
that f(c) equals the average value of the function over [0,6].
Hint

Show Solution

EXAMPLE: FINDING THE POINT WHERE A FUNCTION TAKES ON ITS


AVERAGE VALUE

Given ∫30x2dx=9, find c such that f(c) equals the average value
of f(x)=x2 over [0,3].
Show Solution
Watch the following video to see the worked solution to Example: Finding the Point
Where a Function Takes on its Average Value.

Closed Captioning and Transcript Information for Video

TRY IT

Given ∫30(2x2−1)dx=15, find c such that f(c) equals the average value
of f(x)=2x2−1 over [0,3].
Hint

Show Solution

Candela Citations
CC LICENSED CONTENT, ORIGINAL

 5.3 The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Authored by: Ryan Melton. License: CC
BY: Attribution
CC LICENSED CONTENT, SHARED PREVIOUSLY

 Calculus Volume 2. Authored by: Gilbert Strang, Edwin (Jed) Herman. Provided by:
OpenStax. Located at: [Link]
introduction. License: CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike. License Terms: Access for free at [Link]
volume-2/pages/1-introduction

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