Prove Mean Value Theorem: f(x) on I=(a,b)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the Mean Value Theorem for functions that are differentiable two and three times on an open interval. The original poster presents two statements that require proof, involving the existence of a point \( c \) in the interval \( (a,b) \) that satisfies specific equations related to the derivatives of the function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants inquire about starting points for the proofs and reference general results or theorems related to the Mean Value Theorem. Some discuss the relevance of Taylor's theorem and its implications for the problem, while others express uncertainty about how to proceed with the second derivative.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on relevant theorems and attempting to connect them to the problem at hand. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance regarding the use of Taylor's theorem has been mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of proving the Mean Value Theorem for functions of varying differentiability, and there is an emphasis on the need to establish the theorem for functions differentiable up to \( n \) times.

mtayab1994
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Homework Statement



1) Let f be a function differentiable two times on the open interval I and a and b two numbers in I

Prove that: \exists c\in]a,b[:\frac{f(b)-f(a)}{b-a}=f'(a)+\frac{b+a}{c}f''(c)

2) Let f be a function differentiable three times on the open interval I and a and b two numbers in I.

Prove that: \exists c\in]a,b[:f(b)=f(a)+(b-a)f'(a)+\frac{(b-a)^{2}}{2}f''(a)+\frac{b-a}{2}f'''(c)

The Attempt at a Solution



Any tips on how to start please. Thank you in advance.
 
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What did you try?

Are you reminded of some general result or theorem?
 
micromass said:
What did you try?

Are you reminded of some general result or theorem?

Well the theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a,b] and is differentiable on the open interval (a,b) then there exists a c in the open interval (a,b) such that.

f'(c)=\frac{f(b)-f(a)}{b-a}

And then i tried counting the second derivative but i couldn't get anything out of it.
 
Do you know Taylor's theorem?
 
micromass said:
Do you know Taylor's theorem?

Yes i know that it can be solved using taylor's theorem easily, but we need to prove it for the a function differentiable twice and a function differentiable 3 times and then we have to prove taylor's theorem for a function differentiable n times. So I thought that since there exists a C in the open interval (a,b) then f(c) will have to be the mean of the f(b)+f(a) and when i take the derivative of that i get f'(c)=(f'(b)-f'(a))/2, but I don't know what to do from here on.
 

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