Can we write Rolle's Theorem this way?

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Rolle's theorem states that if a function f(x) is continuous on [a,b], differentiable on (a,b), and f(a) = f(b), then there exists a point c in (a,b) where f'(c) = 0. The discussion explores modifying the theorem's conditions to allow for cases where f(a) does not equal f(b), proposing that if f(c) is greater than or less than both f(a) and f(b), the theorem can still apply. The intermediate value theorem supports this modification by ensuring that a point d exists where f(d) equals f(b), allowing the application of Rolle's theorem on the interval [d,c]. The conversation also addresses a notation issue with the function representation. The proposed changes to Rolle's theorem are deemed valid under specific conditions.
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Rolle's theorem:

Statements:
If y =f(x) is a real valued function of a real variable such that:

1) f(x) is continuous on [a,b]
2) f(x) is differentiable on (a,b)
3) f(a) = f(b)

then there exists a real number c\in(a,b) such that f'(c)=0

what if the the f(x) is like the following graph:
attachment.php?attachmentid=66149&stc=1&d=1391078080.png


here there is a point 'c' for which f'(c) =0 but f(a) \neq f(b)

So to take such cases in consideration can we make a change to the last statement of Rolle's theorem as:
3)f(c) > [f(a),f(b)] Or f(c)<[f(a),f(b)]

are there any exceptions to the above statement?
 

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Yes, that statement works. The easiest way to prove this is to notice that if f(c.) > f(b) > f(a) (for example), then there exists some d such that a<d<c and f(d) = f(b) by the intermediate value theorem. Then applying Rolle's theorem to the interval [d,c] completes the proof.

This computer seems to insist on writing f(c.) without the period as f©, hence the strange notation.
 
Office_Shredder said:
Then applying Rolle's theorem to the interval [d,c] completes the proof.

Do you mean interval[d,b]
 
Yeah good catch
 
Thanks :smile:
 
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