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Section 3 2 - Rolles Theorem and The Mean Value Theorem

This document contains lecture notes on Rolle's Theorem and the Mean Value Theorem from an AP Calculus AB class. It defines Rolle's Theorem as stating that if a function is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the open interval, and the function values at the endpoints are equal, then there exists a point in the interval where the derivative is 0. It provides an example illustrating Rolle's Theorem. It then defines the Mean Value Theorem as stating that if a function is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the open interval, there exists a point where the average rate of change equals the instantaneous rate of change at that point. It provides two examples illustrating applications of the Mean Value Theorem.

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115 views3 pages

Section 3 2 - Rolles Theorem and The Mean Value Theorem

This document contains lecture notes on Rolle's Theorem and the Mean Value Theorem from an AP Calculus AB class. It defines Rolle's Theorem as stating that if a function is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the open interval, and the function values at the endpoints are equal, then there exists a point in the interval where the derivative is 0. It provides an example illustrating Rolle's Theorem. It then defines the Mean Value Theorem as stating that if a function is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the open interval, there exists a point where the average rate of change equals the instantaneous rate of change at that point. It provides two examples illustrating applications of the Mean Value Theorem.

Uploaded by

api-294440065
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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AP CALCULUS AB

Section Number:

3.2

LECTURE NOTES
Topics: Rolles Theorem and The Mean Value
Theorem

MR.
RECORD
Day: 1 of
1

I. Rolles Theorem
Activity:
Step 1: Place two points anywhere on the coordinate plane below that have the same yvalues.
Step 2: Connect the two points with a continuous function that is also differentiable.
y

Conclusion: There MUST be at least one point on your


function where you can draw
a tangent line that is horizontal. (i.e. the
slope is zero)

This activity basically models an important concept called


Rolles Theorem

Rolles Thoerem

a, b

Let f be a continuous on the closed interval


and differentiable on the open interval
f ( a ) f (b)

then there is at least one number c in


that

f (c ) 0.

f ( x) x 2 x
4

a, b

a, b

If
Example 1:

such

2, 2

Illustrating Rolles
Theorem
Determine if Rolles

Theorem applies to
on the interval
. State thoroughly the reasons
why or why not the theorem applies. If the theorem does apply, find the value of c
guaranteed by the theorem.

-2

2
-2

II. The Mean Value Theorem

The Mean Value Thoerem


If f is continuous on the closed interval
open interval

a, b

then there exists a number c in

a, b

a, b

and differentiable on the

such that

f (b ) f ( a )
f (c )
.
ba

Example 2:

Illustrating The Mean Value Theorem

1, 4

f ( x) 5 (4 / x)

Determine if The Mean Value Theorem applies to


on the interval
.
State thoroughly the reasons why or why not the theorem applies. If the theorem does
apply, find the value of c guaranteed by the theorem.
5

1
x

-1

1
-1

Example 3:

Real World Application of The Mean Value Theorem

Two stationary police cars equipped with radar are 5 miles apart on a highway, as when
in the figure. As a semi-truck passes the first patrol car, its speed is clocked at 55 miles
per hour. Four minute later, when the truck passes the second patrol car, its speed is
clocked at 50 miles per hour. Prove that the truck did or did not exceed the 55 mile per
hour speed limit at some time between the two police cars.

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