Intermediate Value Thm for Five-Point Formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) in the context of a five-point formula for approximating derivatives. The author questions the details surrounding the use of IVT in a specific mathematical expression involving the fifth derivative, \( f^{(5)} \), and its continuity over a defined interval. The conversation highlights the importance of clarity in mathematical communication, particularly when discussing the continuity of functions and the implications of the IVT. Ultimately, the original poster decides to close the discussion, deeming the problem unnecessary for their objectives.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)
  • Familiarity with higher-order derivatives, specifically \( f^{(5)} \)
  • Knowledge of continuity in mathematical functions
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Intermediate Value Theorem in calculus
  • Explore the properties of continuity in higher-order derivatives
  • Learn about the five-point formula for numerical differentiation
  • Review best practices for posting mathematical questions in online forums
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in the application of the Intermediate Value Theorem in calculus, particularly in the context of numerical methods and higher-order derivatives.

kalish1
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I have a specific, for-learning-sake-only question on how the author of this link:

http://www.math.ucla.edu/~yanovsky/Teaching/Math151A/hw5/Hw5_solutions.pdf

gets past the details of the Intermediate Value Theorem on the following paragraph. If someone could fill in the details for me, it would be greatly appreciated because I'm having a hard time understanding.

$$\begin{align}
\left(\frac{3}{12h}f^{(5)}(\xi_1)+\frac{18}{12h}f^{(5)}(\xi_2)-32\frac{6}{12h}f^{(5)}(\xi_3)+243\frac{1}{12h}f^{(5)}(\xi_4)\right)\frac{h^5}{120}&= \\
\left(\frac{3}{12}f^{(5)}(\xi_1)+\frac{18}{12}f^{(5)}(\xi_2)-32\frac{6}{12}f^{(5)}(\xi_3)+243\frac{1}{12}f^{(5)}(\xi_4)\right)\frac{h^4}{120}&= \\
6f^{(5)}(\xi)\frac{h^4}{120}&= \\
\frac{h^4}{20}f^{(5)}(\xi)
\end{align}$$

"Note that the IVT was used above..."

Shouldn't it be

"Suppose $f^{(5)}$ is continuous on $[x_0-h,x_0+3h]$ with
$x_0-h < \xi_1<x_0<\xi_2<x_0+h<\xi_3<x_0+2h<\xi_4<x_0+3h.$ Since $\frac{1}{4}[f^{(5)}(\xi_1)+f^{(5)}(\xi_2)+f^{(5)}(\xi_3)+f^{(5)}(\xi_4)]$ is between $f^{(5)}(\xi_1)$ and $f^{(5)}(\xi_4)$, the Intermediate Value Theorem implies that a number $\xi$ exists between $\xi_1$ and $\xi_4$, and hence in $(x_0-h,x_0+3h)$, with $f^{(5)}(\xi)=\frac{1}{4}[f^{(5)}(\xi_1)+f^{(5)}(\xi_2)+f^{(5)}(\xi_3)+f^{(5)}(\xi_4)]$"?
 
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Hi kalish,

Here's a friendly reminder about this part of Rule #2 here on MHB.

Snippet from MHB Rule #2 said:
As a courtesy, if you post your problem on multiple websites, and you get a satisfactory response on a different website, indicate in your MHB thread that you got an answer elsewhere so that our helpers do not duplicate others' efforts.

As a courtesy (not just to us, but also to those on other sites as well), you should inform our (and their) members when you've posted a question on multiple sites (for instance, I see that you've asked this same question on math.stackexchange) and then inform us if you find a solution elsewhere. This way, no one's efforts are duplicated and/or put to waste on solving a problem that has been potentially solved. (Smile)
 
Chris L T521 said:
Hi kalish,

Here's a friendly reminder about this part of Rule #2 here on MHB.
As a courtesy (not just to us, but also to those on other sites as well), you should inform our (and their) members when you've posted a question on multiple sites (for instance, I see that you've asked this same question on math.stackexchange) and then inform us if you find a solution elsewhere. This way, no one's efforts are duplicated and/or put to waste on solving a problem that has been potentially solved. (Smile)

Thanks Chris. I decided that this problem was unnecessary because the goal I am trying to achieve doesn't actually make sense. So I would like to close this post.
 

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