3.2.15 mvt - Mean value theorem: graphing the secant and tangent lines

In summary: But in summary, the number c that satisfies the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem on the given interval is (1,1). The secant line and the tangent line are not parallel, and the slope of both lines is 1/2.
  • #1
karush
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$\tiny{3.2.15}$
Find the number c that satisfies the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem on the given interval. Graph the function the secant line through the endpoints, and the tangent line at $(c,f(c))$.
$f(x)=\sqrt{x} \quad [0,4]$
Are the secant line and the tangent line parallel?
$\dfrac{{f(b)-f(a)}}{{b-a}}$
then
$f(0)=0 \quad f(4)=2 \quad m=\dfrac{1}{2}$
then
$f'(x)=\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}
=\dfrac{1}{2}\quad\therefore \quad f'(1)=\dfrac{1}{2}$
then
$(c,f(c))=(1,1)$

ok not sure if this is the de jour way but...
 
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  • #2
karush said:
$\tiny{3.2.15}$
Find the number c that satisfies the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem on the given interval. Graph the function the secant line through the endpoints, and the tangent line at $(c,f(c))$.
$f(x)=\sqrt{x} \quad [0,4]$
Are the secant line and the tangent line parallel?
$\dfrac{{f(b)-f(a)}}{{b-a}}$
then
$f(0)=0 \quad f(4)=2 \quad m=\dfrac{1}{2}$
then
$f'(x)=\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}
=\dfrac{1}{2}\quad\therefore \quad f'(1)=\dfrac{1}{2}$
then
$(c,f(c))=(1,1)$

ok not sure if this is the de jour way but...

It's fine, well done.
 
  • #3
"De jour" way? Do you think the correct way to do a problem changes from day to day?
 
  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
"De jour" way? Do you think the correct way to do a problem changes from day to day?

I think the OP just means they are not sure if this is considered the most concise or elegant way, or if there are any steps that are not mathematically justified.
 

1. What is the Mean Value Theorem?

The Mean Value Theorem is a fundamental theorem in calculus that states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) where the slope of the tangent line at c is equal to the slope of the secant line connecting the endpoints of the interval.

2. How is the Mean Value Theorem used to graph secant and tangent lines?

The Mean Value Theorem can be used to graph secant and tangent lines by finding the point c where the slopes of the two lines are equal. This point will be the intersection of the secant and tangent lines on the graph.

3. What is the difference between a secant line and a tangent line?

A secant line is a line that intersects a curve at two or more points, while a tangent line is a line that touches a curve at only one point and is parallel to the curve's slope at that point.

4. Can the Mean Value Theorem be applied to any function?

No, the Mean Value Theorem can only be applied to functions that are continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the open interval within that interval.

5. How is the Mean Value Theorem related to the concept of average rate of change?

The Mean Value Theorem is related to the concept of average rate of change because it states that at some point within an interval, the instantaneous rate of change (represented by the slope of the tangent line) is equal to the average rate of change (represented by the slope of the secant line).

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