Maximizing f(x) with Mean Value Theorem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on applying the Mean Value Theorem to determine the maximum value of the function f(2) given that f(0) = -3 and f'(x) ≤ 5 for all x. The correct approach involves recognizing that integrating f'(x) leads to f(x) = kx + c, where c is determined to be -3. This results in the conclusion that f(2) can reach a maximum value of 7, confirming option A as the correct answer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Mean Value Theorem
  • Basic calculus concepts including differentiation and integration
  • Knowledge of function behavior and limits
  • Familiarity with constants and their implications in function evaluation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Mean Value Theorem in detail, including its applications and limitations
  • Practice problems involving derivatives and maximum/minimum value determination
  • Explore integration techniques and their role in function analysis
  • Review examples of functions with bounded derivatives to understand their behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on the Mean Value Theorem and its applications in determining function values and behavior.

Saitama
Messages
4,244
Reaction score
93

Homework Statement


Suppose that f(0)=-3 and f'(x)<=5 for all values of x. The the largest value of f(2) is
A)7
B)-7
C)13
D)8

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


The problem can be easily solved using the mean value theorem but solving it in a different way doesn't give the right answer and I am not sure if the following is a valid approach.
I have ##f'(x) \leq 5 \Rightarrow f(x) \leq 5x+c##, where c is some constant. At x=0, ##f(0) \leq c \Rightarrow c\geq -3##.
At x=2, ##f(2)\leq 10+c##. The problem is that c can take any value greater than -3 and due to this I reach no answer. What is wrong with this method?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Pranav-Arora said:

Homework Statement


Suppose that f(0)=-3 and f'(x)<=5 for all values of x. The the largest value of f(2) is
A)7
B)-7
C)13
D)8


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The problem can be easily solved using the mean value theorem but solving it in a different way doesn't give the right answer and I am not sure if the following is a valid approach.
I have ##f'(x) \leq 5 \Rightarrow f(x) \leq 5x+c##, where c is some constant. At x=0, ##f(0) \leq c \Rightarrow c\geq -3##.
At x=2, ##f(2)\leq 10+c##. The problem is that c can take any value greater than -3 and due to this I reach no answer. What is wrong with this method?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

f ' (x) = k ≤ 5. Integrating, f=kx+c and f(0)=-3. Therefore C=-3, well determined.

ehild
 
ehild said:
f ' (x) = k ≤ 5. Integrating, f=kx+c and f(0)=-3. Therefore C=-3, well determined.

ehild

Really silly on my part, thank you very much ehild! :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K