Mean Value Theorems

Rolle's Theorem
Statement:
If 𝑓 is a function defined on [a, b] such that 𝑓 is
i) continuous on [a, b]
ii) derivable/differentiable in (a, b)
iii) 𝑓 (𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏)
then there exists a point c ∈ (a, b) such that 𝑓 ′ (𝑐 ) = 0.
Geometrical Interpretation of Rolle's Theorem

f(a) = = f(b)

O a c b X

If the graph (i.e. curve) of the function 𝑓 is continuous from x =a to x =b, the ordinates at
x =a & x = b and various tangents are drawn at every point between x =a and x = b, then
there exists at least one point c between x =a and x = b at which the tangent drawn is
parallel to x- axis.

Lagrange's mean value theorem or First mean value theorem or Mean value theorem
Statement:
If 𝑓 is a function defined on [a, b] such that 𝑓 is
i) continuous on [a, b] and
ii) derivable/differentiable in (a, b)
𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
then there exists a point c ∈ (a, b) such that 𝑓 ′ (𝑐 ) =
𝑏−𝑎
Alternative statement of Lagrange's Mean Value Theorem.
Statement:
If 𝑓 is a function defined on [a, a+h] such that 𝑓 is
i) continuous on [a, a+h] and
ii) derivable/differentiable in (a, a+h)
then there exists a point 0 < 𝜃 < 1 such that
𝑓 (𝑎 + ℎ) − 𝑓 (𝑎) = ℎ𝑓′(𝑎 + 𝜃ℎ).
Geometrical Interpretation of Lagrange's mean value theorem.

(b,f(b))

(a,f(a))

f(a)

O a c b X
If the graph (i.e. curve) of the function 𝑓 is continuous from x =a to x =b, and various
tangents are drawn at every point between x =a and x = b, then there exists at least one
point c between x =a and x = b at which the tangent drawn is parallel to the chord joining
the points (a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)).

Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem

Statement:
If 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔 are any two functions defined on [a, b] such that 𝑓 and 𝑔 are
i) continuous on [a, b]
ii) derivable/differentiable in (a, b)
iii) 𝑔′ (𝑥) ≠ 0, for all 𝑥 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏)
𝑓′ (𝑐) 𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
then there exists a point c ∈ (a, b) such that = .
𝑔′ (𝑐) 𝑔(𝑏)−𝑔(𝑎)
This result can also be expressed as:
𝑓′ (𝑎+𝜃ℎ) 𝑓(𝑎+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑎)
= for 0 < 𝜃 < 1.
𝑔′ (𝑎+𝜃ℎ) 𝑔(𝑎+ℎ)−𝑔(𝑎)

Important tips
➢ Firstly, show that the given function f is continuous on [a, b]. The following
tips will be helpful.
• Exponential function
• Logarithmic function
• Hyperbolic function
• Polynomial (algebraic) function
• Trigonometric function
➢ Show that the derivative of the function exists for all x in (a,b). In other
words, 𝑓′(𝑥) is finite and definite.
➢ Show that f(a) = f(b).
➢ Find 𝑓′(𝑐) and take 𝑓 ′ (𝑐) = 0.
➢ Now, show that 'c' lies between a and b. i.e. 𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏.
Exercise: 4(i)
1. Verify Rolle's theorem for the following functions:
𝑥
𝑏. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)𝑒 −2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ∈ [−3,0].
𝑥
Here, given function is: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)𝑒 −2
𝑥
−
The function namely 𝑥(𝑥 + 3) is a polynomial function and 𝑒 is an 2

exponential function. Moreover, each of these component functions is

𝑥
continuous on [−3,0]. So, the product function namely: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)𝑒 −2
is continuous on [−3,0]..………(A)
𝑥
Now, 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥)𝑒 −2
Differentiating w.r.t. 'x',
𝑥 𝑥
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 3)𝑒 −2 − (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥) 𝑒 −2 .
2
𝑥 𝑥
1 4𝑥+6−𝑥 2 −3𝑥
Or, 𝑓′(𝑥) = [(2𝑥 + 3) − (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥)] 𝑒 −2 = 𝑒 −2 [ ]
2 2
𝑥
− −𝑥 2 +𝑥+6
Or, 𝑓′(𝑥) = 𝑒 [ 2 ].
2
which is finite for all x in (−3, 0).
Thus, we find that f is derivable in (−3, 0).……………(B)
Lastly, 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(−3) = 0 and 𝑓(𝑏) = 𝑓(0) = 0
Thus, 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏) ……………………...(C)
From (A),(B) and (C) we find that f(x) satisfies all the conditions of Rolle's
theorem. Hence by Rolle's theorem, 𝑓 ′ (𝑐) = 0.
𝑐
−𝑐 2 +𝑐+6
Or, 𝑒 −2 [ ] = 0 so that −𝑐 2 + 𝑐 + 6 = 0.
2
Or, 𝑐 2 − 𝑐 − 6 = 0. Or, (𝑐 − 3)(𝑐 + 2) = 0
Or, 𝑐 = 3, −2
But −3 < −2 < 0 which means −2 ∈ (−3,0).
Hence, Rolle's theorem is verified.

𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏
c. 𝜙(𝑥) = log[ ] , 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ∈ [𝑎, 𝑏].
(𝑎+𝑏)𝑥
𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏
Here, given function is 𝜙(𝑥) = log[ ]. It is a logarithmic function. So, it is
(𝑎+𝑏)𝑥
continuous on [a, b] ……….. (A)
Differentiating w.r.t. 'x',
1 𝑑 𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏
𝜙 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥2 +𝑎𝑏
. [(𝑎+𝑏)𝑥].
𝑑𝑥
(𝑎+𝑏)𝑥
(𝑎+𝑏)𝑥 1 𝑑 𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏
Or, 𝜙 ′ (𝑥) = . . [ ].
𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏 𝑎+𝑏 𝑑𝑥 𝑥
 𝑥 𝑑
Or, 𝜙 ′ (𝑥) = . [𝑥 + 𝑎𝑏. 𝑥 −1 ].
𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏 𝑑𝑥
′ (𝑥) 𝑥 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 2 −𝑎𝑏
Or, 𝜙 = . (1 − ) = 𝑥(𝑥 2+𝑎𝑏).
𝑥 2 +𝑎𝑏 𝑥2
′ (𝑥)
This shows that 𝜙 exists for all 𝑥 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏)……………(B)
Now, 𝜙(𝑎) = log 1 = 0 = 𝜙(𝑏)……………..(C)
From (A),(B) and (C) we find that 𝜙 (x) satisfies all the conditions of Rolle's
theorem. Hence by Rolle's theorem, 𝜙 ′ (𝑐) = 0.
𝑐 2 −𝑎𝑏
Or, 𝜙 ′ (𝑐) = = 0.
𝑐(𝑐 2 +𝑎𝑏)
Or, 𝑐 2 = 𝑎𝑏 so that 𝑐 = √𝑎𝑏.
But this shows that c is the geometric mean of a and b. So, 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏).
Hence, Rolle's theorem is verified.
𝜋 5𝜋
𝑒) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − cos 𝑥) , 𝑥𝜖 [ , ].
4 4
Solution:
Here, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 (sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥)
Further, f(x) is a product of trigonometric function and exponential function. Each
𝜋 5𝜋
of them is continuous on [ , ]……………..(A)
4 4
𝜋 5𝜋
So, the product function f(x) is continuous in [ , ].
4 4
ii) Again, 𝑓′(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 (sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥) + 𝑒 𝑥 (cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥)
𝜋 5𝜋
or, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑒 𝑥 sin 𝑥 which exists finitely for all 𝑥𝜖 ( , )
4 4
𝜋 5𝜋
So, f(x) is derivable in ( , ) .…………..(B)
4 4
𝜋
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Again, 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓 ( ) = 𝑒 [sin − cos ] = 0 4
4 4 4
5𝜋
5𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋
𝑓(𝑏) = 𝑓 ( ) = 𝑒 4 [sin − cos ] = 0.
4 4 4
Thus, 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(𝑏) ……………………...(C)
From (A),(B) and (C) we find that f(x) satisfies all the conditions of Rolle's theorem.
Hence by Rolle's theorem, 𝑓 ′ (𝑐) = 0.
Or, 𝑓 ′ (𝑐) = 2𝑒 𝑐 sin 𝑐 = 0 Or, sin 𝑐 = 0
Or, sin 𝑐 = sin 𝜋 so that 𝑐 = 𝜋.
𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
Since < 𝜋 < which means 𝜋 ∈ ( , )
4 4 4 4
Hence Rolle's Theorem is verified.
2. Verify Lagrange's mean value theorem for the following functions:
a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 in [−2,2].
Solution:
Here, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥
i) Since f(x) is a polynomial function, so it is continuous in [−2,2].
ii) Again, 𝑓′(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 4, which exists for all x∈ (−2, 2).
So, f(x) is differentiable in (−2, 2).
Hence f satisfies all the conditions of Mean value theorem. So, by Mean value
theorem, there exists at least one value c∈ (−2, 2) such that 𝑓′(𝑐) =
𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
……………(A)
𝑏−𝑎
Here, 𝑓(𝑏) = 𝑓(2) = 23 − 4 × 2 = 0
And 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(−2) = (−2)3 − 4 × (−2) = 0
Also, 𝑓 ′ (𝑐) = 3𝑐 2 − 4.
𝑓(−2)−𝑓(2)
From (A), we have: 𝑓′(𝑐) = .
2−(−2)
2
Or, 3𝑐 2 − 4 = 0 Or, 𝑐 = .
√3
2 2
But −2 < < 2 which means ∈ (−2, 2)
√3 √3
Hence, mean value theorem is verified.
2. (𝑑) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥, 𝑥 ∈ [1, 𝑒]
Solution:
Here, given function is: 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥 and the interval [𝑎, 𝑏] = [1, 𝑒] so that
𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 𝑒.
Since logarithmic functions are continuous, f(x) = log 𝑥 is continuous for x∈[1,
e].
1
Again, 𝑓′(𝑥) = which exists for all x∈ (1, e).
𝑥
Now, using Lagrange's mean value theorem,
𝑓 (𝑏) − 𝑓 (𝑎) = 𝑓′(𝑐)(𝑏 − 𝑎).
1
i.e. log 𝑒 − log 1 = (𝑒 − 1)
𝑐
1
or, 1 − 0 = (𝑒 − 1)
𝑐
or, 𝑐 = 𝑒 − 1 = 2.718 − 1 = 1.781.
Since 1 < 1.781 < 𝑒.
So 𝑐 ∈ (1, 𝑒). Thus, there is a point c in (1, e) such that
𝑓(𝑏) − 𝑓(𝑎) = (𝑏 − 𝑎) 𝑓′(𝑐).
Hence Mean value theorem is verified.
 e. f(x) = √4 − 𝑥 2 , 𝑥ϵ [−2, 1].
Solution:
Here, 𝑓(𝑥) = √4 − 𝑥 2 .
i) Clearly, 4 − 𝑥 2 is a polynomial function hence it is continuous on [−2,1]. So, f(x)
being the square root of continuous function is continuous in [−2,1].
1
𝑑 𝑑(4−𝑥 2 )2
ii) Also, 𝑓′(𝑥) = (√4 − 𝑥 2) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
1
𝑑(4−𝑥 2 )2 𝑑(4−𝑥 2 )
=
𝑑(4−𝑥 2 ) 𝑑𝑥
. .
1
1 𝑥
= . (4 − 𝑥 2 )−2 . (−2𝑥)=− which exists for all −2 < 𝑥 < 1.
2 √4−𝑥 2
So, f(x) is differentiable in (−2, 1).
Also, 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓(−2) = 0. 𝑓(𝑏) = 𝑓(1) = √3.
Hence f satisfies all the conditions of Lagrange's mean value theorem.
𝑓(1)−𝑓(−2)
So, we may take: 𝑓′(𝑐) = .
1−(−2)
𝑐 √3−0 𝑐 1
Or, − = . Or, − =
√4−𝑐 2 3 √4−𝑐 2 √3
Or, −√3𝑐 = √4 − 𝑐 2
Or, 3𝑐 2 = 4 − 𝑐 2 or, 𝑐 = ±1
But −2 < −1 < 1 which means −1 ∈ (−2, 1)
So, Lagrange's mean value theorem is verified.

3. Verify Cauchy's mean value theorem for the following functions:

𝑎. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and 𝐹(𝑥) = 𝑥 in [−1,3].
Proof: Here, given functions are: f(x) = 𝑥 2 and 𝐹(𝑥) = 𝑥
Also, the interval is: [−1,3] so that a= −1 and b = 3.
Now, f'(x) = 2x and F'(x) =1
Using Cauchy's mean value theorem,
𝑓′ (𝑐) 𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎) 2𝑐 𝑓(3)−𝑓(−1)
= . or, = .
𝐹 ′ (𝑐) 𝐹(𝑏)−𝐹(𝑎) 1 𝐹(3)−𝐹(−1)
2𝑐 9−1
or, = or, 2c = 2 or, c = 1.
1 3−(−1)
But −1 < 1 < 3. This shows that 1 ∈ (−1,3).
 4. a. In the mean value theorem, 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ𝑓′(𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ). Find 𝜃 if 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶 .
Solution:
We have, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑥² + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶
Differentiating, 𝑓′(𝑥) = 2𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵.
Now, 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = 𝐴 (𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑏(𝑥 + ℎ) + 𝐶.
And 𝑓′(𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ) = 2𝐴 (𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ) + 𝐵
Using mean value theorem,
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ𝑓′(𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ).
⇒ 𝐴 (𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝐵(𝑥 + ℎ) + 𝐶 = 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶 + ℎ[2𝐴 (𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ) + 𝐵]
Or, 2𝐴𝑥ℎ + 𝐴ℎ2 + 𝐵ℎ = 2𝐴𝑥ℎ + 2𝐴𝜃ℎ2 + 𝐵ℎ.
1
Or, 𝐴ℎ2 = 2𝐴𝜃ℎ2 . Or, 𝜃 = .
2

4. c. ii) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥.

Solution:
Here, given function is: 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥.
So, 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = log(𝑥 + ℎ).
1 1
Again, 𝑓′(𝑥) = . So, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ) = 𝑥+𝜃ℎ.
𝑥
Now, using Lagrange's mean value theorem,
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ𝑓′(𝑥 + 𝜃ℎ).
1
Or, log(𝑥 + ℎ) = log 𝑥 + ℎ.
𝑥+𝜃ℎ
1
Or, log(𝑥 + ℎ) − log 𝑥 = ℎ.
𝑥+𝜃ℎ
𝑥+ℎ ℎ
Or, log =
𝑥 𝑥+𝜃ℎ
𝑥+𝜃ℎ 1
Or, = 𝑥+ℎ.
ℎ log 𝑥
𝑥 1
Or, ℎ + 𝜃 = 𝑥+ℎ
log 𝑥
1 𝑥
Or, 𝜃 = 𝑥+ℎ − ℎ.
log 𝑥

5. If in Cauchy's mean value theorem,

f(x) = 𝑥 2 and F(x) = x in [−1,3], show that 𝑐 ∈ (−1,3) is the arithmetic mean of −1 and 3.
Proof: Here, given functions are: f(x) = 𝑥 2 and F(x) = x
Also, the interval is: [−1,3] so that a= −1 and b = 3.
Now, f'(x) = 2x and F'(x) =1
Using Cauchy's mean value theorem,
𝑓′ (𝑐) 𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
= .
𝐹 ′ (𝑐) 𝐹(𝑏)−𝐹(𝑎)
 2𝑐 𝑓(3)−𝑓(−1)
or, = .
1 𝐹(3)−𝐹(−1)
2𝑐 9−1
or, =
1 3−(−1)
or, 2c = 2 or, c = 1.
𝑎+𝑏 3−1
But arithmetic mean of 𝑎 and 𝑏 is = = 1.
2 2
This shows that 𝑐 is the arithmetic mean of 𝑎 and 𝑏.
5. Examine the validity of Rolle's theorem for the function
f(x) = |x – 1 | in −1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3.
Firstly, we notice that a function is derivable at a point '𝑐' if the
Left hand derivative = Right hand derivative at 𝑐
𝑓(𝑐−ℎ)−𝑓(𝑐) 𝑓(𝑐+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑐)
i.e. lim = lim
ℎ→0 −ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
Now, given function is: 𝑓 (𝑥) = |𝑥 − 1|
𝑓(1−ℎ)−𝑓(1)
Now, left hand derivative at 1 = 𝑓 ′ (1 − 0) = lim
ℎ→0 −ℎ
|1 − ℎ − 1| − |1 − 1|
= lim
ℎ→0 −ℎ
|−ℎ| − 0 ℎ
= lim = = lim = −1
ℎ→0 −ℎ ℎ→0 −ℎ

𝑓(1+ℎ)−𝑓(1)
Now, right hand derivative at 1 = 𝑓 ′ (1 + 0) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
|1 + ℎ − 1| − |1 − 1|
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
|ℎ| − 0 ℎ
= lim = = lim = 1
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
Which shows that 𝑓 ′ (1 − 0) ≠ 𝑓 ′ (1 + 0)
Thus, the function 𝑓 is not differentiable at x =1.
i.e. 𝑓 is not differentiable at each point of [−1,3] since 1 ∈ [−1,3]
So, Rolle's second condition is violated by the function.
Thus, Rolle's theorem is no longer valid.

b. Explain the failure of Lagrange's mean value theorem for 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 +

2
(𝑥 − 1)3 𝑖𝑛 [0,2]
Here, given function is:
2
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 + (𝑥 − 1)3 . Also, the interval is: [0,2].
Differentiating w.r.t. 'x', we have:
1
2 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)−3 = 1 .
3
3(𝑥−1)3
2
Now, 𝑓 ′ (1) = 1 = ∞.
3(1−1)3
Which shows that the function 𝑓 is not differentiable at x =1 although 1 belongs to
[0,2].
So, Lagrange's mean value theorem is no longer applicable in the given interval.