Engineering Mathematics - I

Prof. Jitendra Kumar

Lecture – 01
Rolle’s Theorem

Welcome to the first lecture on Engineering Mathematics, I am Jitendra Kumar from the
Department of Mathematics. And, today we will be discussing the Rolle’s Theorem from
differential calculus of variable one.

(Refer Slide Time: 00:35)

So, these are the topics we will be covering today. So, starting with the Rolle’s Theorem. And
since it is a very fundamental theorem so we will also go through the detail proof because this
will be used for various other results in other lectures and then some worked examples.
(Refer Slide Time: 00:56)

So, what is Rolle’s Theorem? So, Rolle’s Theorem if a function f of single variable is
continuous in closed interval [a , b] and differentiable in open interval (a , b). And, there is a
one more condition which says that the function value at a is equal to the function value at
the point b. So, the two end points the function is taking same value.

In that case, the theorem says that there exist a number c in open interval (a ,b ¿ such that
( c ) =0 , meaning that there will be a point c where the slope of the tangent will be 0 . So, if we
go through the geometrical interpretation, so, let us consider this is the function which is
plotted in this x−axis and the y−axis here. So, this is the point at a so, the function value at
this point a is here and the same value the function is taking at b. So, the function is
continuous and differentiable everywhere then this theorem says that there will be at least one
point where the derivative will vanish or the tangent will be parallel to x-axis. So, the slope
of the tangent is 0 meaning it is parallel to thex−axis.

So, clearly we can observe that there is a point here somewhere next to this a, where the
tangent is parallel to the x−axis. Indeed in this situation there are more points one I can see
here where tangent is again parallel to the x−axis. And, there is another point where the
tangent is parallel to the x−axis, but the theorem says that there will be at least one point
where the tangent will be parallel to the x−axis. So, in this particular situation we are getting
more than one point where the tangent is parallel to the x−axis.
(Refer Slide Time: 03:14)

So, if we go through; now the proof which is pretty simple so, let us go step by step. So, here
we assume that the function takes the maximum and the minimum value and they are denoted
by big M as maximum and small m as minimum in this interval [a ,b], which is guaranteed
due to the extreme value theorem because the function is continuous in the closed interval.
And therefore, a maximum and minimum will be reached in this interval at some point.

So, now we consider the following situation a particular situation the case-I when M =m. So,
the maximum value is equal to the minimum value. Now, think about the situation, then the
where the function is having maximum and the minimum value as same. So, in this situation
clearly there is no change in the function value and therefore, the minimum value is equal to
the maximum value.

So, basically if we plot f ( x )=m= M , it is a constant function and that would be the situation
when the minimum value will be equal to the maximum value. So, in this particular case f ( x)
is the constant function, and since f ( x) is the constant function naturally whatever point you
take the derivative is going to be 0. So, the theorem is proved in this case when M =m. So,
the maximum is equal to the minimum the function value.
(Refer Slide Time: 04:52)

So, now the second case when the maximum value of the function is not equal to the
minimum value of the function. So, in this case we will consider three situations or three
cases again. The first one let us assume that the maximum value in this situation here which
is clearly can be observed that it is different than the function value at a and b. The function
value at a and b are equal as per the assumptions of the theorem.

So, here we assume that the function the maximum value of the function is different than the
function value at a and b. The second case when we take the minimum value is different than
the function value at a and b and the third situation that for some functions both maybe
different. So, in this case the minimum or rather I would say the local minimum in each case
or local maximum. So, which is here and this is different than the equal values at a and b.
And, here as well the local these two local maximum are also different than the equal value at
a and b.
(Refer Slide Time: 06:10)

So, both are different in this case. So, in either situation let us consider the case we suppose
that the maximum value of the function is different from the equal values of f at a and b
which are the same here. So, the M is different the big M the maximum is different.
Similarly we will consider later on if M is not different then the small m should be different
at least one of them will be different because M is not equal to small m.

So, we take that the function is taking this value M at a point c. So, f ( c ) =M, the function is
having this local maximum at the point c. So, if this f (c) is the local maximum then we have
f ( c+ Δ x )−f (c); just considered the situation f (c+ Δ x). So, this point here c+ Δ x is in the
close vicinity of c just assume this Δ x is close to 0.

So, in that case since f (c) is the maximum value of the function then f ( c+ Δ x ) and this
difference; so, f ( c+ Δ x )will be smaller than the this f ( c ) because f ( c ) is the local maximum.
So, in this case there will be a such a Δ x definitely because f ( c ) is the maximum value that,
this expression here f ( c+ Δ x )−f (c) will be less than equal to 0 whether this Δ x is positive or
Δ x is negative. That means, any point you take in the vicinity of this point c then this
difference here f ( c+ Δ x )−f ( c ) ≤ 0 . And, now if I divide this expression here by Δ x and if I
in the first case I take Δ x as positive, then the sign of this expression will not change. And, it
will remain as less than equal to 0 if Δ x is positive.
On the other hand if I take Δ x as a negative number then this expression will change the sign
and this f ( c+ Δ x )−f (c) divided byΔ x will become greater than equal to 0. And now, I will
take in this first case when I have taken here the Δ x positive the limit that Δ x goes to 0 and
this expression and the less than 0.

So, if you take a close look at this one this is the right hand derivative of the function f and
since f is differentiable this will be equal to the derivative of the function. So, we have here
this inequality that the derivative will be less than equal to 0 in the situation. On the other
hand when you divide this by Δ x which is negative and take the limit again the same similar
case here. Since the function is differentiable that left derivative will be also positive because
this inequality is greater than equal to 0.

So, in this case we got f ' ( c )=0 whereas, they we have f ' ( c ) ≤0 . So, out of these two we
conclude that the f ' ( c )has to be 0 because it cannot be less than equal to 0 or greater than
equal to 0 at the same time. So, there only possibility is that f ' (c) has to be 0. So, in this way
we have proved this that there is a point in this interval c, in the open interval c where the
derivative vanishes.

(Refer Slide Time: 10:05)

There are few remarks which are of great importance. So, here the hypothesis of the Rolle’s
Theorem are sufficient, but not necessary for the conclusion. What do we mean by this? So,
what we have seen that this continuity of the function in the close interval [a, b] and the
differentiability in the open interval (a, b) and there was a third condition that f (a) is equal to
f (b). So, if these three conditions are satisfied then there will exist a point c where the
derivative will vanish. So, these conditions are sufficient meaning that these conditions here
all these three conditions implies that f ' ( c )=0. But not the other way around that f ' ( c )=0
does not imply that the function will be continuous, differentiable and we will take these
equal values at some points a and b.

So, in other words if all these hypothesis these three hypotheses are met then the conclusion
is guaranteed; conclusion means the f ' ( c )=0 that is guaranteed. However, if the hypothesis
are not met then you may or may not reach the conclusion which we will see with the help of
some examples now. Let us consider this example

2
f ( x )= x ;−2≤ x ≤1
{ 3 x−2; 1< x ≤ 2

So, this function here the clearly if we see that the function is continuous, the function value
at 1 is here f at 1 which is we can substitute directly the function is defined until 1.

checked

So, f (1) is 1 and then if you take the right limit so, f (1+0) the right limits. So, the limit
Δ x → 0 , and this f (1+ Δ x) and minus this f (1) or just the limits we are not going to get the
derivative now. So, this just this expression here f (1+ Δ x) and Δ x → 0 and we take here the
Δ x positive. So, the right limit of this function as Δ x → 0 . So, this will be simply the limit
Δ x → 0 , the Δ x we are taking as positive here. And, then since Δ x is positive, 1+ Δ x we will
be calculated from this here 3 x−2. So, you have the 3 and x means 1+ Δ x the argument and
minus 2 and this is nothing but 3 and minus 2 1. So, 1+3 Δ x and Δ x → 0 .

So, this is 1 and which is equal to the f (1). So, the function is naturally continues in this case
and if we check the differentiability; that means, the right derivative first. So, the f (1+0) the
right derivative means the limit Δ x → 0 and the Δ x is positive. So, f (1+ Δ x) minusf (1) and
divided by Δ x this goes not here. So, in this case the limit Δ x → 0 the Δ x is positive; so,
here 1+ Δ x again will be calculated from 3 x−2 which we have just done before. So, it was
1+3Δ x was coming and divided by Δ x and then here minus this f (1) is 1.
So, this gets cancelled and then this value here is nothing, but 3. So, the right side derivative
of this function is 3 where as the left hand derivative. So, f (1−0) which is the notation and
here the limit if you compute Δ x → 0, Δ x negative, what will happen to this one. So, here
you have again

f ( 1+ Δ x ) −f ( 1 )
.
Δx

But now this f ¿ + Δ x) and Δ x is negative will be computed from x2 . So, meaning we have
here Δ x → 0 and this is

2
( 1+ Δx ) −1
Δx

So, this one when we expand this there will be 1+ Δ x2 +2 Δ x terms so, 1 1 will get cancel and
this 2 Δ x and divided by Δ x will give you a 2 and the rest because of the limit will go to 0.
So, here the derivative is 2 whereas, there the left side derivative is 3 and the right side
derivative is 2. So, the function is not differentiable in this case.

(Refer Slide Time: 15:12)

And we can plot this one and then again you can see that at this point 1 here the function
breaks its differentiability. So, the right side derivative which we have just seen was minus
the left side derivative so was 2 and the right side was 3. So, there is a point here where the
function is not differentiable. But, what is interesting in this case the all the hypothesis are not
made because the function is not differentiable at this point.

But there is a point here 0 which you can easily compute again from this x2 is a derivative is
2 x and x is equal to 0 the derivative will become 0. So, here the f ' ( 0 ) =0. So, the derivative
vanishes or the tangent is parallel to the x−axis in this case though the function was not
differentiable here. So, exactly what we have said if the hypotheses are not met the function
may or may not reach the conclusion. So, in this case it is reaching the conclusion, but this is
not because of the Rolle’s Theorem.

(Refer Slide Time: 16:20)

Another example if we take that we have

f ( x )=
{2−xx ; 0≤;1<x ≤1x ≤ 2
So, again the similar situation one can easily float this function and one clearly sees that at
this point 1 the function is not differentiable. And, in this case we are not getting any point
between this 0 and 1 where the function is taking over the derivative is vanishing. So, in this
situation f ' (x )≠ 0 at any point in the given interval. So, we have seen these two examples the
other one was this one, the previous example where the function was not differentiable, this is
also not differentiable.
But in 1, f ' ( 0 ) =0. So, there is a point where the derivative vanishes whereas, in this case the
derivative does not vanish at any point in the interval. So, therefore, these conditions these
three hypotheses of the Rolle’s Theorem are sufficient conditions and they are not the
necessary conditions. So, under those conditions it is guaranteed that the function will
derivative of the function will vanish at least at one point in the open interval (a, b).

(Refer Slide Time: 17:44)

Another remark that the continuity condition which we have seen the continuity in the closed
interval for this function is essential, if it is not met then we may not that the theorem may not
guarantee the existence of such a c where f ' ( c )=0. So, for example, if you look at this
function

f ( x )= x ;0 ≤ x<1
{ 0; x=1

So, what do we see here the function is continuous and differentiable on (0, 1) and also
f ( 0 ) =f (1). So, this condition is met differentiability condition is met, but the function is not
continuous at 1. We should note that because the function is x from 0 to 1 and then it is x is
equal to 1.

So, there is jump here which we can see. So, at x is equal to 1 the function is taking value as
0 and otherwise its taking here as x. So, the function is not differentiable at oh sorry
continuous at 1, otherwise all other conditions are met in this case of the Rolle’s Theorem.
And, then we clearly see the derivative is 1 everywhere here between these two 0 and 1 open
interval 0 and 1. And therefore, the f ' (x )≠ 0 at any point in this interval x 0 to 1.

(Refer Slide Time: 19:12)

Another example we will discuss now the applicability of the Rolle’s theorem for this
function

2
f ( x )= x +1; x ∈[0 ,1]
{ 3−x ; x ∈ ¿

So, again if the continuity is concerned then the function is continuous because it is taking
like f (1) is f (1) is 2 and f if we take the right limit here f (1+0). So, the limit Δ x → 0, and
this f (1+ Δ x) will be this is limit Δ x → 0 and Δ x positive because the right limit we are
taking here. And, in this case this will be 3−(1+ Δ x); that means, it is a 2−Δ x.

So,Δ x → 0, this is 2 and the value is equal to 1. So, the function is continuous in this interval
0 to 2 and what is about the differentiability. If you look at the differentiability is pretty
similar to the earlier case. So, if you compute the right derivative so,1+ 0; that means, the
Δ x → 0 and Δ x is positive because the right limit I am talking about. And, in this case again
you have take the

f ( 1+ Δ x ) −f ( 1 )
.
Δx
So, limit Δ x → 0 andf ( 1+ Δ x ) .

So, f ( 1+ Δ x ) we have computed here this is 2−Δ x and f (1) is 2 again and divided by Δ x.
So, this limit will be coming as −1 because this will got cancelled and then you will get −1
there. So, the right derivative is −1 and the left derivative f (1−0) which is limit Δ x → 0
again with Δ x negative.

So, in this case f (1+ Δ x) will be computed from here. So, ( 1+ Δ x ) 2 +1 minus f (1) which is 2
divided by Δ x. So, Δ x → 0 and here you will get 1+ Δ x2 +2 Δ x; so, 1+ Δ x2 +2 Δ x+1−2. So,
this will cancel out and then here also so, you will get and this power. So, Δ x → 0 this will be
coming as 2. So, in this case the left derivative is 2 and the right derivative is −1. So, the
function is not differentiable at the point 1. So, the Rolle’s Theorem is not applicable in this
case.

(Refer Slide Time: 22:10)

And if we take a look here at this floor, then you again see that at 1 here the function is not
differentiable which we have just seen.
(Refer Slide Time: 22:23)

So, moving further this is another example which says the using Rolle’s Theorem show that
the equation this x power x13 +7 x 3−5=0 has exactly one real root in [0, 1], in the closed
interval [0, 1]. So, this is another kind of application which where we can use the Rolle’s
Theorem to show that this equation has exactly one real root. So, if we move further suppose
that this f ( x) this function here x power x13 +7 x 3−5 has more than one real root in [0, 1]. So,
we assume that this function f ( x) has more than one real root. So, if it has more than root
then we can take any two roots let us say alpha and beta.

So, you have taken two roots and since this alpha and beta are the roots so, f (α ) will be 0 and
that will be also equal to f ( β). So, α and β both are roots so, the function will be 0 at α and
as well as at β. So, here we just for the convenience we have assume that α is smaller than β
and naturally these two will fall between 0 and 1; because 0 and 1 are is not the root of the
equation which clearly we can see there. So, this α β these two roots because, we have
assume that this function has more than two roots so, these α and β will be between less
between 0 and 1.

So, both have the positive number here α and β and less than 1. So, what Rolle’s Theorem
says, if we apply the Rolle’s Theorem to this interval α and β. If we apply we apply this
Rolle’s Theorem to the interval α and β in that case the Rolle’s Theorem says that there will
be a point f ' ( c )will be 0; there will be a point c where f ' (c) will be 0. Because, of the reason
because the function is taking now equal value at α and β, function is differentiable, it is a
polynomial function, there is no problem, the it is continuous naturally and it is taking the
same value at α and β.

So, if we apply in this interval Rolle’s Theorem that will give us that f ' ( c )=0 for some c in
the interval (α , β). So, this implies so, what is this f ' ( c )? So, f ' ( c )is13 c 12 +21 c2 =0; for some
c in the interval (α , β). Again note that the (α , β) both are positive number and now which
you see because the c is positive here, then this expression here 13 c 12 +21 c2 ≠ 0, because this
is a power 12, here the even number also c 2 and this c is positive.

So, this is a positive quantity, this is a positive quantity. So, it cannot be equal to 0, but the
Rolle’s Theorem says that it will be equal to 0; that means, we have a assumption which was
that the function has more than two real roots is wrong. So, it contradicts our assumption of
more than one real root. But, now the question is whether there is a root in this case, because
we have just proved that there cannot be more than two roots.

So, if you take a close look at this function here at 0 the value is a −5 somewhere here and if
you put this 1 there the other end then we will get 3. So, the value will be 3 at 1 so, if this is 1
here. So, at 1 the value is 3 and the 0 the value is −5 and function is continuous. So,
definitely to reach to this point it will cross somewhere the real axis and so, that proves the
existence of one root in this case which confirms the existence of one root because this is
changing its sign.

(Refer Slide Time: 27:00)

(Refer Slide Time: 27:14)

Now, there are the references which we are used to prepare this lecture, the book by the
Piskunov, Differential and Integral calculus, Volume 1 and also the Kreyszig Advanced
Engineering Mathematics.

(Refer Slide Time: 27:28)

So, again the conclusion here we have a studied the Rolle’s Theorem which says that if the
function is continuous and differentiable having the same value at this a and b, then there will
be a point c somewhere in the open interval ¿,b), where the tangent to this function will be
parallel to the x−¿ axis.

So, this is the Rolle’s Theorem which is a particular case of the mean value theorem which
we will discuss in the next lecture. And, basically this assumption of having the equal values
will be removed and then we will get more general results. And, those are the mean value
theorem the topic of the next lecture.

Thank you.