MEAN VALUE THEOREMS

I Rolle’s Theorem:
Let f(x) be a function such that
(i). It is continuous in closed interval [a,b]
(ii). It is differentiable in open interval (a,b) and
(iii). f(a) = f(b).
Then there exists at least one point ‘c’ in (a,b) such that
f1(c) = 0.
Geometrical Interpretation of Rolle’s Theorem:
Let f : [a, b]  R be a function satisfying the three conditions of Rolle ’s Theorem. Then the graph.

1. y=f(x) in a continuous curve in [a,b].

2. There exist a unique tangent line at every point x=c, where a<c<b
3. The ordinates f(a), f(b) at the end points A,B are equal so that the points A and B are equidistant from
the X-axis.
4. By Rolle’s Theorem, There is at least one point x=c between A and B on the curve at which the
tangent line is parallel to the x-axis and also it is parallel to chord of the curve.
1. Verify Rolle’s theorem for the function f(x) = sinx/ex or e-x sinx in *0,π+
Sol: i) Since sinx and ex are both continuous functions in *0, π+.
Therefore, sinx/ex is also continuous in *0,π+.
ii) Since sinx and ex be derivable in (0,π), then f is also derivable in (0,π).
iii) f(0) = sin0/e0 = 0 and f(π)= sin π/e π =0
 f(0) = f(π)

Thus all three conditions of Rolle ’s Theorem are satisfied.

 There exists c є(0, π) such that f1(c)=0
e x cos x  sin x e x cos x  sin x
Now f 1 ( x)  
(e x ) 2 ex
cos c  sin c
f1(c)= 0 => 0
ec
cos c = sin c => tan c = 1

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c = π/4 є(0,π)
Hence Rolle’s theorem is verified.

 x 2  ab 
2. Verify Rolle’s theorem for the functions log   in[a,b] , a>0, b>0,
 x( a  b ) 

 x 2  ab 
Sol: Let f(x)= log  
 x( a  b ) 
= log(x2+ab) – log x –log(a+b)
(i). Since f(x) is a composite function of continuous functions in [a,b], it is continuous in [a,b].

1 1 x 2  ab
(ii). f1(x) = .2 x  
x 2  ab x x( x 2  ab)
f1(x) exists for all xє (a,b)

 a 2  ab 
(iii). f(a) = log    log 1  0
 a  ab 
2

 b 2  ab 
f(b) = log    log 1  0
 b  ab 
2

f(a) = f(b)
Thus f(x) satisfies all the three conditions of Rolle ’s Theorem.
So,  c  (a, b)  f1(c) = 0,
c 2  ab
f1(c) = 0,  = 0  c2 = ab
c( c  ab )
2

 c  ab  (a, b)

Hence Rolle’s theorem verified.

3. Verify whether Rolle ’s Theorem can be applied to the following functions in the intervals.
i) f(x) = tan x in*0 , π+ and ii) f(x) = 1/x2 in [-1,1]
(i) f(x) is discontinuous at x = π/2 as it is not defined there. Thus condition (i) of Rolle ’s Theorem is not
satisfied. Hence we cannot apply Rolle ’s Theorem here.
 Rolle’s theorem cannot be applicable to f(x) = tan x in *0,π+.
(ii). f(x) = 1/x2 in [-1,1]
f(x) is discontinuous at x= 0.Hence Rolle ’s Theorem cannot be applied.
4. Verify Rolle’s theorem for the function f(x) = (x-a)m(x-b)n where m,n are positive integers in [a,b].
Sol: (i). Since every polynomial is continuous for all values, f(x) is also continuous in[a,b].
(ii) f(x) = (x-a)m(x-b)n
f1(x) = m(x-a)m-1(x-b)n+(x-a)m.n(x-b)n-1
= (x-a)m-1(x-b)n-1[m(x-b)+n(x-a)]
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 =(x-a)m-1(x-b)n-1[(m+n)x-(mb+na)]
Which exists

Thus f(x) is derivable in (a,b)

(iii) f(a) = 0 and f(b) = 0
 f(a) =f(b)
Thus three conditions of Rolle’s theorem are satisfied.
 There exists cє(a,b) such that f1(c)=0
(c-a)m-1(c-b)n-1[(m+n)c-(mb+na)]=0
 (m+n)c-(mb+na)=0 => (m+n)c = mb+na
 c = mb+na є(a,b)
m+n
 Rolle ’s Theorem verified.

5. Using Rolle ’s Theorem, show that g(x) = 8x3-6x2-2x+1 has a zero between
0 and 1.
Sol: g(x) = 8x3-6x2-2x+1 being a polynomial, it is continuous on [0,1] and differentiable on (0,1)
Now g(0) = 1 and g(1)= 8-6-2+1 = 1
Also g(0)=g(1)
Hence, all the conditions of Rolle’s theorem are satisfied on *0,1+.
Therefore, there exists a number cє(0,1) such that g1(c)=0.
Now g1(x) = 24x2-12x-2
 g1(c)= 0 => 24c2-12c-2 =0
3  21
 c= ie c= 0.63 or -0.132
12
only the value c = 0.63 lies in (0,1)
Thus there exists at least one root between 0 and 1.
6. Verify Rolle’s theorem for f(x) = x 2/3 -2x 1/3 in the interval (0,8).
Sol: Given f(x) = x 2/3 -2x 1/3
f(x) is continuous in [0,8]
f1(x) = 2/3 . 1/x1/3 -2/3 . 1/x2/3 = 2/3(1/x1/3 – 1/x2/3)
Which exists for all x in the interval (0,8)
 f is derivable (0,8).
Now f(0) = 0 and f(8) = (8)2/3-2(8)1/3 = 4-4 =0
i.e., f(0) = f(8)
Thus all the three conditions of Rolle’s Theorem are satisfied.
 There exists at least one value of c in(0,8) such that f1(c)=0

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 1 1
ie. 1
 2
 0 => c = 1 є (0,8)
3 3
c c
Hence Rolle’s Theorem is verified.

7. Verify Rolle’s theorem for f(x) = x(x+3)e-x/2 in [-3,0].

Sol: - (i). Since x(x+3) being a polynomial is continuous for all values of x and e-x/2 is also continuous for all x,
their product x(x+3)e-x/2 = f(x) is also continuous for every value of x and in particular f(x) is continuous in the
[-3,0].
(ii). we have f1(x) = x(x+3)( -1/2 e-x/2)+(2x+3)e-x/2

-x/2 x 2  3x
=e [2x+3- ]
2
=e-x/2[6+x-x2/2]
Since f1(x) doesnot become infinite or indeterminate at any point of the interval(-3,0).
f(x) is derivable in (-3,0)
(iii) Also we have f(-3) = 0 and f(0) =0
 f (-3)=f(0)
Thus f(x) satisfies all the three conditions of Rolle’s theorem in the interval [-3,0].
Hence there exist at least one value c of x in the interval (-3,0) such that f1(c)=0
i.e., ½ e-c/2(6+c-c2)=0 =>6+c-c2=0 (e-c/2≠0 for any c)
=> c2+c-6 = 0 => (c-3)(c+2)=0
c=3,-2
Clearly, the value c= -2 lies within the (-3,0) which verifies Rolle’s theorem.
II. Lagrange’s mean value Theorem
Let f(x) be a function such that (i) it is continuous in closed interval [a,b] & (ii) differentiable in (a,b). Then  at
least one point c in (a,b) such that
f (b)  f (a)
f1(c) =
ba
Geometrical Interpretation of Lagrange’s Mean Value theorem:
Let f : [a, b]  R be a function satisfying the two conditions of Lagrange’s theorem. Then the graph.

1.y=f(x) is continuous curve in [a,b]

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2. At every point x=c, when a<c<b, on the curve y=f(x), there is unique tangent to the curve. By Lagrange’s
f (b)  f (a)
theorem there exists at least one point c  (a, b)  f (c) 
1

ba
Geometrically there exist at least one point c on the curve between A and B such that the tangent line is

parallel to the chord AB

1. Verify Lagrange’s Mean value theorem for f(x)= x3-x2-5x+3 in [0,4]

Sol: Let f(x)= x3-x2-5x+3 is a polynomial in x.
 It is continuous & derivable for every value of x.
In particular, f(x) is continuous [0,4] & derivable in (0,4)
Hence by Lagrange’s Mean value theorem  c (0,4) 
f (4)  f (0)
f1(c)=
40
f (4)  f (0)
i.e., 3c2-2c-5 = …………………….(1)
4
Now f(4) = 43-42-5.4+3 =64-16-20-3=67-36= 31 & f(0)=3
f (4)  f (0) (31  3)
= 7
4 4
From equation (1), we have
3c2-2c-5 =7 => 3c2-2c-12 =0

2  4  144 2  148 1  37
c=  
6 6 3
1  37
We see that lies in open interval (0,4) & thus Lagrange’s Mean value theorem is verified.
3
2. Verify Lagrange’s Mean value theorem for f(x) = log e x in [1,e]

Sol: - f(x) = log e x

This function is continuous in closed interval [1,e] & derivable in (1,e). Hence L.M.V.T is applicable
here. By this theorem,  a point c in open interval (1,e) such that

f (e)  f (1) 1  0 1
f1(c) =  
e 1 e 1 e 1
1 1 1
But f1(c)=  
e 1 c e 1
c = e - 1
Note that (e-1) is in the interval (1,e).
Hence Lagrange’s mean value theorem is verified.

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3.Give an example of a function that is continuous on [-1, 1] and for which mean value theorem does not
hold with explanations.
Sol:- The function f(x) = x is continuous on [-1,1]

But Lagrange Mean value theorem is not applicable for the function f(x) as its derivative does not
exist in (-1,1) at x=0.

ba 1 1 ba
4.If a<b, P.T  Tan b  Tan a  using Lagrange’s Mean value theorem. Deduce the
1  b2 1 a2
following.
 3 4  1
i).   Tan 1  
4 25 3 4 6
5  4  2
ii).  Tan 1 2 
20 4
Sol: consider f(x) = Tan-1 x in [a,b] for 0<a<b<1
Since f(x) is continuous in closed interval [a,b] & derivable in open interval (a,b).
We can apply Lagrange’s Mean value theorem here.
Hence there exists a point c in (a,b)
f (b)  f (a)
f1(c) =
ba
1 1
Here f1(x) = & hence f 1 (c) 
1 x 2
1 c2
Thus  c, a<c<b 

1 Tan 1b  Tan 1 a

 ------- (1)
1 c2 ba

We have 1+a2<1+c2<1+b2
1 1 1
  
1  a 1  c 1  b2
2 2
……….. (2)
From (1) and (2), we have

1 Tan 1b  Tan 1a 1

 
1 a 2
ba 1 b2
or
ba 1 1 ba
 Tan b  Tan a  ………………(3)
1 a2 1  b2
Hence the result
Deductions: -
ba ba
(i) We have  Tan 1b  Tan 1a 
1 b 2
1 a2
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 4
Take b  & a=1, we get
3

4 4 43
1 1
3 4 4  43
 Tan1 ( )  Tan1 (1)  3 2  3  Tan1 ( )  
1
16 3 11 25 3 4 3
9 9 2
3  4  1
   Tan1 ( )  
25 4 3 4 6

(ii) Taking b=2 and a=1, we get

2 1 2 1 1  1
 Tan1 2  Tan11    Tan1 2  
1 2 2
112
5 4 2
1  2
   Tan1 2 
5 4 4
4  5 2
   Tan1 2 
20 4
5. Show that for any x > 0, 1 + x < ex < 1 + xex.

Sol: - Let f(x) = ex defined on [0,x]. Then f(x) is continuous on [0,x] & derivable
on (0,x).
By Lagrange’s Mean value theorem  a real number c є(0,x) such that
f ( x)  f (0)
 f 1 (c )
x0
e x -e0 c e x -1 c
 =e  =e ………….(1)
x-0 x
Note that 0<c<x => e0<ec<ex ( ex is an increasing function)
ex 1
=> 1   e x From (1)
x
=> x<ex-1<xex
=> 1+x<ex<1+xex.
5
6. Calculate approximately 245 by using L.M.V.T.

Sol:- Let f(x) = 5

x =x1/5 & a=243 , b=245
Then f1(x) = 1/5 x- 4/5 & f1(c) = 1/5c- 4/5
By L.M.V.T, we have

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 f (b)  f (a)
 f 1 (c )
ba
4
f (245)  f (243) 1 5
=>  c
245  243 5
=> f (245) =f(243)+2/5c-4/5
=> c lies b/w 243 & 245 take c= 243

1 4
2
=> 5
245 = (243)
1/5 -4/5
+2/5(243) = (3 )  (35 ) 5
5 5

5
= 3+ (2/5)(1/81) = 3+2/405 = 3.0049

7. Find the region in which f(x) = 1-4x-x2 is increasing & the region in which it is decreasing using M.V.T.
Sol: - Given f(x) = 1-4x-x2
f(x) being a polynomial function is continuous on [a,b] & differentiable on (a,b)  a,b R
 f satisfies the conditions of L.M.V.T on every interval on the real line.
f1(x)= - 4-2x= -2(2+x) xR
f1(x)= 0 if x = -2
for x<-2, f1(x) >0 & for x>-2 , f1(x)<0
Hence f(x) is strictly increasing on (-∞, -2) & strictly decreasing on (-2,∞)
8. Using Mean value theorem prove that Tan x > x in 0<x</2
Sol:- Consider f(x) = Tan x in  , x where 0<  <x</2

Apply L.M.V.T to f(x)

 a points c such that 0<  <c<x</2 such that

Tan x  Tan 
 sec2 c 
x 
Tan x - Tan  = (x -  )sec2 c

Take  0  0 then Tan x  x sec2 x

But sec2c>1.
Hence Tan x > x
9. If f1(x) = 0 Through out an interval [a,b], prove using M.V.T f(x) is a constant in that interval.
Sol:- Let f(x) be function defined in [a,b] & let f1(x) = 0  x in [a,b].
Then f1(t) is defined & continuous in [a,x] where axb.

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 & f(t) exist in open interval (a,x).
By L.M.V.T  a point c in open interval (a,x) 
f ( x)  f ( a )
 f 1 (c)
xa
But it is given that f1(c) = 0
 f(x) - f(a) = 0

 f(x) = f(a)  x
Hence f(x) is constant.
10 Using mean value theorem
i) x > log (1+x) > x>0

ii) π/6 + ( /15) < sin-1(0.6) < π/6 + (1/6)

iii) 1+x < ex < 1+xex x>0
iv) < tan(-1)v - tan(-1)u < where 0 < u <v hence deduce

a) π/4+ (3/25) < tan(-1)(4/3) < π/4+ (1/6)

III. Cauchy’s Mean Value Theorem
If f: [a,b] R, g:[a,b] R  (i) f,g are continuous on [a,b] (ii) f,g are differentiable on (a,b)
(iii ) g 1 ( x)  0x  (a, b), then

f 1 (c) f (b)  f (a)

a po int c  (a, b)  
g 1 (c) g (b)  g (a)
1.Find c of Cauchy’s mean value theorem for
1
f ( x)  x & g ( x) 
x in [a,b] where 0<a<b
Sol: - Clearly f, g are continuous on [a,b]  R+
1 1
f 1 ( x)  and g 1 ( x) 
We have 2 x 2x x which exits on (a,b)

f, g are differentiable on (a, b)  R +

Also g1 (x)0,  x (a,b)  R+

Conditions of Cauchy’s Mean value theorem are satisfied on (a,b) so c(a,b) 

f (b)  f (a) f 1 (c)


g (b)  g (a) g 1 (c)
1
b a b  a  2c c
 2 c    ab  c
1 1 1 a b 2 c

b a 2c c ab
Since a,b >0 , ab is their geometric mean and we have a<ab <b
c(a,b) which verifies Cauchy’s mean value theorem.
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2. Verify Cauchy’s Mean value theorem for f(x) = ex & g(x) = e-x in [3,7] &
find the value of c.
Sol: We are given f(x) = ex & g(x) = e-x
f(x) & g(x) are continuous and derivable for all values of x.
=>f & g are continuous in [3,7]

=> f & g are derivable on (3,7)

Also g1(x) = e-x 0  x (3,7)
Thus f & g satisfies the conditions of Cauchy’s mean value theorem.
Consequently,  a point c (3,7) such that

f (7)  f (3) f 1 (c) e7  e3 ec e7  e3

 1  7 3
 c
   e 2c
g (7)  g (3) g (c) e e e 1 1

e7 e3
=> -e7+3 = -e2c
=> 2c = 10
=> c = 5(3,7)
Hence C.M.T. is verified

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