Find Point c that satisfies the Mean Value Theorem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Mean Value Theorem (MVT) for derivatives was applied to the function f(x) = (x-1)/(x+1) over the interval [4, 5]. The correct point "c" that satisfies the theorem is determined to be approximately 4.48. The derivative of the function was calculated as f'(x) = 2/(x+1)^2. The user initially miscalculated the roots of the quadratic equation derived from the MVT, leading to incorrect values outside the specified interval.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Mean Value Theorem for derivatives
  • Knowledge of basic calculus, including differentiation
  • Familiarity with solving quadratic equations
  • Proficiency in using a scientific calculator for evaluating functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Mean Value Theorem and its applications in calculus
  • Practice calculating derivatives of rational functions
  • Learn how to solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula
  • Explore the implications of the Mean Value Theorem in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and the Mean Value Theorem, as well as educators looking for examples to illustrate these concepts.

Schaus
Messages
118
Reaction score
5

Homework Statement


Find the point "c" that satisfies the Mean Value Theorem For Derivatives for the function
## f(x) = \frac {x-1} {x+1}## on the interval [4,5].
Answer - c = 4.48

Homework Equations


##x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 -4ac}} {2a}##
##f'(c) = \frac { f(b) - f(a)} {b-a}##

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the derivative
##f'(x) = \frac {2} {(x+1)^2}##
a) ## f(4) = \frac {4-1} {4+1} = \frac {3} {5}##
b) ## f(5) = \frac {5-1} {5+1} = \frac {2} {3}##
Substituting in my values
## \frac {2} {(x+1)^2} = \frac { \frac {2} {3} - \frac {3} {5}} {5-4}##
## \frac {2} {(x+1)^2} = \frac {1} {15}##
## 30 = c^2 +2c +1##
## 0 = c^2 +2c -29##
##x = \frac {-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 -(4)(1)(-29)}} {2(1)}##
Which gives me 3.475 and -7.475. I'm not sure where I went wrong, any help would be greatly appreciated. Neither one of there are in my interval and my solution says it needs to be 4.48.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
look the equation:
$$x = \frac {-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 -(4)(1)(-29)}} {2(1)}$$
and solve it carefully
 
I swear I put that in my calculator a few times but this last time it worked... Thanks a lot anyways :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K