Sentence in English in textbook "Calculus", by Robert A. Adams

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a specific translation issue from the textbook "Calculus" by Robert A. Adams, particularly focusing on the terminology used in the context of differentiation, specifically regarding velocity and acceleration. Participants seek clarification on the correct English phrasing of a sentence related to the Mean Value Theorem and its application in the example provided in the textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the title of a section, suggesting it could be "Velocity and Acceleration".
  • Another participant asserts that velocity is continuous for all t and references the Intermediate-Value Theorem, implying it has a constant sign on intervals where it is not zero.
  • A different participant notes a discrepancy in their edition of the textbook, mentioning the Mean Value Theorem instead and expressing confusion.
  • Another participant points out the potential for confusion between the Mean Value Theorem and the Intermediate Value Theorem due to their similar names in Spanish.
  • One participant explains that the term "mean" relates to an average, which is relevant to the Mean Value Theorem discussing average values.
  • Another participant states that every derivative, regardless of continuity, possesses the intermediate value property, referencing the Mean Value Theorem and Rolle's Theorem to support their claim, suggesting multiple interpretations are possible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology and theorems involved, indicating a lack of consensus on the correct interpretation and application of the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific wording of the sentence in the textbook and the definitions of the theorems mentioned, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

mcastillo356
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Hi, PF

I've got a translation into spanish of the sixth edition of "Calculus", by Robert A. Adams. At the second chapter, "Differentiation", eleventh section, I would like to know: the title of the section (Could it be "Velocity and Acceleration"?); and a sentence of the Example 2 ("A point P moves along the x axis..."): at the solution of the question (d), I have something like "Velocity is continuous for all t, so, according to the Mean value theorem...". which would be the sentence in English?

Thanks!
 
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The velocity is continuous for all t so, by the Intermediate-Value Theorem, has a constant sign on the intervals between the points where it is 0.
 
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In my edition, it mentioned Mean Value Theorem, and it didn't make sense.

Greetings!
 
Yeah, it's probably easy to mix up 'Teorema del valor medio' and 'Teorema del valor intermedio'.
 
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The English word "mean" refers to an average, so the mean value theorem talks about the average value.
 
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actually every derivative, continuous or not, has the intermediate value property, and the proof uses the mean value theorem, or at least its equivalent version, rolle's theorem. ( a function that goes up and then down, must take the same value twice and hence must level off somewhere in between.) so many interpretations are possible.
 
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