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Mean Value Theorem Explained

The Mean Value Theorem states that for a differentiable function f(x) over a closed interval [a,b], there exists at least one point c in (a,b) where the instantaneous slope (f'(c)) equals the average slope over the interval. The document also discusses the implications of differentiability, such as continuity, and introduces concepts like increasing and decreasing functions based on the sign of the derivative. Additionally, it covers examples of finding antiderivatives and applying the theorem in practical scenarios.

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5 views14 pages

Mean Value Theorem Explained

The Mean Value Theorem states that for a differentiable function f(x) over a closed interval [a,b], there exists at least one point c in (a,b) where the instantaneous slope (f'(c)) equals the average slope over the interval. The document also discusses the implications of differentiability, such as continuity, and introduces concepts like increasing and decreasing functions based on the sign of the derivative. Additionally, it covers examples of finding antiderivatives and applying the theorem in practical scenarios.

Uploaded by

Book Worm
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

4.

3 (1) Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives

Teddy Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota


Photo by Vickie Kelly, 2002 Greg Kelly, Hanford High School, Richland, Washington
Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives

If f (x) is a differentiable function over [a,b], then


at some point between a and b:

f b   f a 
 f c 
b a
Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives

If f (x) is a differentiable function over [a,b], then


at some point between a and b:

f b   f a 
 f c 
b a

Differentiable implies that the function is also continuous.


Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives

If f (x) is a differentiable function over [a,b], then


at some point between a and b:

f b   f a 
 f c 
b a

Differentiable implies that the function is also continuous.

The Mean Value Theorem only applies over a closed interval.


Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives

If f (x) is a differentiable function over [a,b], then


at some point between a and b:

f b   f a 
 f c 
b a

The Mean Value Theorem says that at some point


in the closed interval, the actual slope equals the
average slope.


y Tangent parallel
to chord.
Slope of tangent:

f c  B

Slope of chord:
f b   f a 
b a
A

x
0 a c b
y  f x  
A couple of somewhat obvious definitions:

A function is increasing over an interval if the derivative


is always positive.

A function is decreasing over an interval if the derivative


is always negative.


y

These two functions have the


same slope at any value of x.

Functions with the same derivative


differ by a constant.

y g  x  x
0
y  f x  
Example 6:

Find the function f  x  whose derivative is sin  x  and


whose graph passes through 0, 2  .

d
cos  x   sin  x   f  x   cos  x   C
dx
2  cos 0   C
d
so:  cos  x  sin  x 
dx
f  x  could be  cos  x  or could vary by some constant C .
Example 6:

Find the function f  x  whose derivative is sin  x  and


whose graph passes through 0, 2  .

d
cos  x   sin  x   f  x   cos  x   C
dx
2  cos 0   C
d
so:  cos  x  sin  x  2  1  C
dx
3 C
Notice that we had to have
initial values to determine f  x   cos  x   3
the value of C.

The process of finding the original function from the
derivative is so important that it has a name:

Antiderivative

A function F  x  is an antiderivative of a function f  x 


if F  x   f  x  for all x in the domain of f. The process
of finding an antiderivative is antidifferentiation.

You will hear much more about antiderivatives in the future.


This section is just an introduction.


Example 7b: Find the velocity and position equations
for a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/sec2 and an
initial velocity of 1 m/sec downward.

a t  9.8 (We let down be positive.)

t  
vSince 9.8t  C is the derivative of velocity,
acceleration
velocity must be the antiderivative of acceleration.
1 9.8 0   C
1 C
v t  9.8t  1
Example 7b: Find the velocity and position equations
for a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/sec2 and an
initial velocity of 1 m/sec downward.

a t  9.8 9.8 2
s t   t  t  C
v t  9.8t  C 2

1 9.8 0   C The power rule in reverse:


Increase the exponent by one and
1 C multiply by the reciprocal of the
new exponent.
v t  9.8t  1
Since velocity is the derivative of position,
position must be the antiderivative of velocity. 
Example 7b: Find the velocity and position equations
for a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/sec2 and an
initial velocity of 1 m/sec downward.

a t  9.8 9.8 2
s t   t  t  C
v t  9.8t  C 2
s t  4.9t  t  C
2
1 9.8 0   C
The initial position is zero at time zero.
0 4.9 0   0  C
2
1 C
v t  9.8t  1 0 C
s t  4.9t  t
2

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