R twice continuously differentiable function proof

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving an inequality involving a twice continuously differentiable function defined on a closed interval. The function is constrained to be non-negative and has a non-positive second derivative over the interval, indicating concavity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the potential application of the mean value theorem and the implications of the function being twice continuously differentiable. There is a focus on understanding how concavity affects the relationship between the function and its integral.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the graphical interpretation of the problem and the relevance of concavity. Others express uncertainty about the application of the twice differentiable condition and its significance in the proof.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster is grappling with how to utilize the properties of the function effectively, particularly in relation to the mean value theorem and the implications of concavity on the integral bounds.

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r twice continuously differentiable function proof...

Homework Statement


Help :frown:
if f:[a,b] \rightarrow R is twice continuously differentiable, and f(x)\geq 0 for all x in [a.b]
and f ''(x) \leq 0 for all x in [a,b]
prove that

1/2 (f(a) + f(b)) (b-a) \leq \int f(x)dx \leq(b-a) f(a+b/2)

(integral going from a to b)



Homework Equations



-It's given that f is twice continuously differentiable.




The Attempt at a Solution


By looking at the inequality I'm assuming that I have to use the mean value theorem somewhere..
But how?
 
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Here's a hint. The derivative condition tells you that f(x) is concave down on the interval [a,b]. Draw a graph. Draw the secant line connecting x=a and x=b. That's below the curve, right? Now draw the tangent line at x=(a+b)/2. That's above the curve, right? Your two bounds are related to the integrals of those two linear functions. You'll need the MVT to prove the aboveness and belowness parts, if you don't already have such theorems.
 


the inequality makes sense now that you explained,
I still have trouble proving it,

Where do I use the fact that f is TWICE differentiable?Does that make a difference?
 


You need twice differentiable to show some properties of your curve related to it being concave down. Like those I pointed out yesterday. You haven't done anything on this problem yet. I'd suggest you get started. Don't PM me about problems, ok?
 

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