Mean Value Theorem
The mean value theorem is one of the most important theorems in calculus. It is here discussed through examples and graphs. Once you finish with this tutorial you might want to solve problems related to the mean value theorem.
Mean Value Theorem
Let f(x) be a continuous function on the interval [a, b] and differentiable on
the open interval (a, b). Then there is at least one value c of x in the interval (a, b) such that
f '(c) = [ f(b) - f(a) ] /(b - a) or f(b) - f(a) = f '(c) (b - a) In other words, the tangent line to the graph of f at c and the secant through points (a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)) have equal slopes and are therefore parallel. ![]() Examples on the Applications of the Mean Value TheoremExample 1Use the mean value theorem to find the value c of x in the interval [1 , 5] such that the tangent at the point (c , f(c)) to the of curve f(x) = - x2 + 7 x - 6 is parallel to the secant through the points (1 , f(1)) and (5 , f(5)).Solution to Example 1The slope of the tangent at point (c , f(c)) is given byf '(x) where f ' is the first derivative. The slope of the secant through (1 , f(1)) and (5 , f(5)) is given by [ f(5) - f(1) ] /(5 - 1) For the tangent to be parallel to the secant their slope have to be equal hence f '(c) = [ f(5) - f(1) ] /(5 - 1) Function f is a polynomial (quadratic) function and is therefore continuous and differentiable of the interval [1 , 5] hence the mean value theorem predicts that there is a least one value of x (= c) such that the above equality is true. The slope of the tangent is given by the value of the first derivative at x = c. The first derivative : f ' (x) = - 2 x + 7 slope m1 of the tangent to the curve at x = c is equal to m1 = f ' (c) = - 2 c + 7 The slope m2 of the secant through the points (1 , f(1)) and (5 , f(5)) is given by m2 = (f(5) - f(1)) / (5 - 1) = (4 - 0) / ( 4 ) = 1 m1 = m2 gives the equation - 2 c + 7 = 1 c = 3 Check answer graphically Point of tangency at x = c is given by (3 , f(3)) = (3 , 6) Equation of tangent: y - 6 = (x - 3) y = x + 3 In figure 1 below are shown the graphs of the given function and the graph of the tangent to the curve of f. The tangent and secant have equal slopes and are therefore parallel. ![]() There may be more that one value of x ( = c) that satisfies the mean value theorem, see example 2 below. Example 2Use the mean value theorem to find all values of x in the interval [0 , 3] such that the tangent at the points (c , f(c)) to the of curve f(x) = x3 - 5 x2 + 7 x + 1 is parallel to the secant through the points (0 , f(0)) and (3 , f(3)).Solution to Example 2Function f is a polynomial function and is therefore continuous and differentiable of the interval [1 , 3] and therefore the mean value theorem predicts that there is at least one value of x ( = c) such that the tangent to the curve of f at x = c and the secant are parallel and therefore their slopes are equal.slope of tangent The first derivative : f ' (x) = 3 x 2 - 10 x + 7 The slope m1 of the tangent at x = c is equal to m1 = f ' (c) = 3 c 2 - 10 c + 7 The slope m2 of the secant through the points (0 , f(0)) and (3 , f(3)) m2 = (f(3) - f(0)) / (3 - 0) = (4 - 1) / (3 - 0) = 1 For the tangent to the curve at x = c and the secant through (0 , f(0)) and (3 , f(3)) to be parallel, their slopes have to be equal. 3 c 2 - 10 c + 7 = 1 which may be written as 3 c 2 - 10 c + 6 = 0 Solve using quadratic formulas to obtain two solutions c1 = (5 - √7) / 3 ≈ 0.78 and c2 = (5 + √7) / 3 ≈ 2.55 Check answer graphically In figure 2 below are shown the graphs of the given function and the graph of the two tangents to the curve of f parallel to the secant through the points A(0 , f(0)) and B(3 , f(3)). ![]() |
More References and links
problems related to the mean value theoremSolve Tangent Lines Problems in Calculus
Continuous Functions in Calculus
Slopes of Parallel Lines Questions