Mean Value Theorem: Proving Inequalities with f'(x)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around applying the Mean Value Theorem to prove inequalities involving the derivative of a function, specifically focusing on the relationship between the minimum and maximum values of the derivative and the average rate of change of the function over an interval. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of inequalities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if f'(x) is continuous on [a,b], the Mean Value Theorem can be applied to show that min[f'] ≤ (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a) ≤ max[f'] for some x in (a,b).
  • One participant suggests that f'(x) equals (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a) for some x in the interval, prompting a discussion about the maximum and minimum possible values of this expression.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the maximum value of f' must be greater than or equal to (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a), leading to the conclusion that max(f') ≥ f'(x*) for some x* in (a,b).
  • It is noted that the relationship min(f') ≤ f'(x) ≤ max(f') holds for all x, which is used to support the inequalities being discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the application of the Mean Value Theorem and the inequalities derived from it, but there is no explicit consensus on the specific values or further implications of these inequalities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific values of min[f'] and max[f'] or how they relate to the function f(x) beyond the inequalities presented.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in mathematical analysis, particularly those studying calculus and the Mean Value Theorem, may find this discussion relevant.

kidia
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Please help me on this.

If f`(x) is continuous on [a,b],apply the Mean Value Theorem to prove the inequalities min[f`] [tex]\leq[/tex] f(b)-f(a)[tex]/_[/tex] b-a [tex]\leq[/tex] [Max f`]
 
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kidia said:
Please help me on this.

If f`(x) is continuous on [a,b],apply the Mean Value Theorem to prove the inequalities min[f`] [tex]\leq[/tex] f(b)-f(a)[tex]/_[/tex] b-a [tex]\leq[/tex] [Max f`]
well
f'(x)=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)
for some x in (a,b)
so what are the biggest and smallest possible values of
(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)
 
please lurflurf clarify more and give me the values
 
kidia said:
please lurflurf clarify more and give me the values
Ok
remember a<x<b
x* is some number in the interval so
f'(x*)=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)
M>=f'(x) for all x
M>=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)
max(f')>=f'(x) for all x
so
max(f')>=f(x*)=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)
the min case is analogous

The idea is f'(x) may be greater than, less than, or equal to (f(b)-f(a))/(b-a).
min(f')<=f'(x)<=max(f')
so since for some x*
f'(x*)=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)
and for all x
min(f')<=f'(x)<=max(f')
then
min[f`]<=f(b)-f(a) b-a <=[Max f`]
since
min(f')<=f'(x)<=max(f')
is true for all x
including
min(f')<=f'(x*)<=max(f')
 
Thanx a lot lurflurf
 

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