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

In summary, the conversation discusses using the Mean Value Theorem to prove inequalities involving the minimum and maximum values of f'(x). The conversation also clarifies that the values of f'(x) may be greater than, less than, or equal to (f(b)-f(a))/(b-a) and that these values can be used to prove the inequalities.
  • #1
kidia
66
0
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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  • #2
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)
 
  • #3
please lurflurf clarify more and give me the values
 
  • #4
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')
 
  • #5
Thanx a lot lurflurf
 

1. What is the Mean Value Theorem?

The Mean Value Theorem is a fundamental theorem in calculus that states that for a continuous and differentiable function f(x) on a closed interval [a, b], there exists a point c within the interval where the slope of the tangent line at c is equal to the average rate of change of f(x) over the interval.

2. How is the Mean Value Theorem used to prove inequalities?

The Mean Value Theorem can be used to prove inequalities by showing that if the slope of the tangent line at a certain point is greater than or less than the average rate of change over the interval, then the function must also be increasing or decreasing at that point, respectively. This allows us to make conclusions about the behavior of the function and prove inequalities.

3. What is the role of f'(x) in proving inequalities using the Mean Value Theorem?

In proving inequalities using the Mean Value Theorem, f'(x) is used to represent the slope of the tangent line at a point c within the interval [a, b]. By comparing the value of f'(c) to the average rate of change of the function over the interval, we can determine whether the function is increasing or decreasing at that point and use this information to prove the desired inequality.

4. Can the Mean Value Theorem be applied to all functions?

No, the Mean Value Theorem can only be applied to continuous and differentiable functions. This means that the function must be defined and have a tangent line at every point within the interval [a, b] for the theorem to hold. If a function is not continuous or differentiable, the Mean Value Theorem cannot be applied.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Mean Value Theorem?

The Mean Value Theorem has many real-world applications, such as in physics and engineering. For example, it can be used to analyze the motion of objects, as the average velocity of an object over an interval can be represented by the slope of the position-time graph at a specific point. It can also be applied in economics to analyze rates of change in production or consumption. Additionally, the Mean Value Theorem is used in optimization problems to find the maximum or minimum value of a function over a given interval.

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