.

Mean Value Theorem and its Applications

A Project Work
Submitted to the Office of the Controller of Examination
Tribhuvan University, Balkhu
in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS
By
Gita Shrestha, Balbhadra Bhandari and Rajendra Kumar Shrestha
Symbol Number:
Registration Number:
Amrit Campus
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
Date: September 16, 2019

1
Recommendation
It is certified that Gita Shrestha, Balbhadra Bhandari and Rajendra Kumar Shrestha
have carried out the project work entitled “Mean Value Theorem and its Applications" under
our supervision.
We recommend the project in the partial fulfillment for the requirement of Bachelor's Degree in
Mathematics.

………………………………….
Prof. Daya Ram Paudyal
Tribhuvan University
Birendra Multiple Campus
Bharatpur, Chitwan
Nepal
………………………………..
Prof. Dr. Narayan Prasad Pahari
Tribhuvan University
Central Department of Mathematics
Kirtipur, Kathmandu
Nepal

2
Certificate of Approval
This is to certify that the accompanying project work entitled “Mean Value Theorem and its
Applications” has been accepted after appropriate examination and meets the standard for the
partial fulfillment of the requirements for Bachelor's Degree of Science in Mathematics by
Tribhuvan University.

Evaluation Committee

Prof. Daya Ram Paudyal …………………

Prof. Dr. Narayan Prasad Pahari…………………
(Supervisors)

………………………..

(Head of the Department)

………………………..
(Internal Examiner)

………………………..
(External Examiner)

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Copyright
Gita Shrestha,
BalbhadraBhandari
And Rajendra Kumar Shrestha
2019

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 Abstract
In this study we discuss the basic concepts of “Mean Value Theorem and its Applications” in
various aspects as a fundamental properties of continuous and differentiable functions. 
We begin this study with the concepts of Mean Value Theorem, Cauchy Mean Value
Theorem by stating its various fundamental concepts, several generalizations and equivalent
forms. Besides this, we also study some of the applications and extensions of Mean Value
Theorem. Finally we apply the Mean Value Theorem to find the number of real roots of the
polynomial equations.

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List of Figures
Extreme values (Fig.1)..................................14
Intermediate value (Fig.2)..............................14
Real roots (Fig.3).................................................................15
Rolle’s Theorem (Fig.4) 16
Mean Value Theorem (Fig.5)...19
 

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• First of all, many warm thanks to our supervisors Prof. Daya
Ram Paudyal and Prof. Dr. Narayan Prasad Pahari for all excellent suggestions,
guidance, and continued support in our work. Their generosity in sharing knowledge and
encouragement has been priceless to us. Without their inspiration and guidance it would
not have been possible for us to finish this project work. Thank you from our inner heart
for making our work successful.
Next, we would like to thank our committee members and all the faculties of Department
of Mathematics, Amrit Campus. They have been very friendly, supportive and helpful
throughout our study at Amrit Campus. We are deeply indebted to Prof. Prakash Muni
Bajracharya, Prof. Puspa Raj Adhikari and Prof. Chet Raj Bhatta who were such an
important source of inspiration for us. Their expertise and judgment have helped us to see
contents clearly. We would like to express our gratitude to our senior teacher Prof. Dr.
B.C. Bajracharya for his valuable knowledge and all his constructive ideas. Our special
thanks go to Nepal Mathematical Society for financial support during our project work.
We wish to express our deep appreciation to the mathematicians who participated directly
and indirectly in our study. Last but not least, we wish to express our gratitude to our
family members for supporting this study. Thank you to all our friends for their moral
support, help and understanding during the difficult period that it took to carry out and
write this project work.
Gita Shrestha
Balbhadra Bhandari
Rajendra Kumar Shrestha

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 Dedication
We would like to dedicate this work to our respected teachers from whom we have derived our
essential visions in learning new concept in Mathematics.

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 Table of Contents
Recommendation.............................................................................................................
Certificate of Approval.................................................................................................
Copyright..........................................................................................................................
Abstract............................................................................................................................
List of Figures.................................................................................................................
Acknowledgement........................................................................................................
Dedication........................................................................................................................
CHAPTER: 1..............................................................................................................10-11
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study...........................................................................................10
1.2 Scope of the Study ...................................................................................................10
1.3 Limitations................................................................................................................11

CHAPTER: 2 ............................................................................................................. 12
LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………………………….12
CHAPTER: 3 ……………………………………………………………………….13-21
THEOREMS AND DISCUSSIONS………………………………………………….
3.1 Extreme Value Theorem………………………………………………………….13
3.2 Intermediate Value Theorem……………………………………………………..14
3.3 Rolle’s Theorem………………………………………………………………….16
3.4 Mean Value Theorem……………………………………………………………..17
CHAPTER: 4 ………………………………………………………………………22-23
APPLICATION OF MEAN VALUE THEOREM…………………………………..22-23
CHAPTER: 5 ……………………………………………………………………….24
CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………….24
REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………………..24

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10
 Mean Value Theorem and its Application

Chapter-1
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
In the course of development of mathematics, derivative is one of the strong
foundations of mathematics. The concept of derivative has played a vital role not only in
mathematics but in different subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicines and Social
sciences etc. The Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem is somewhat theoretical basis of application
of derivative. It was first defined by Vatasseri Parameshvara Nambudiri, a famous Indian
mathematician and astronomer (circa 1380-1460), from the Kerala school of astronomy and
mathematics in India .The modern version of the mean value theorem was stated by the French
mathematician Baron Augustin-Louis Cauchy (1789-1857) in 1823[2].In fact Lagrange’s theorem
is generalized form of Rolle’s theorem developed by Michel Rolle(1652-1719) in 1691.Italian
Mathematicians and astronomer Joseph Louis Lagrange (1736-1813) formed this theorem in
1801 by using Rolle’s theorem. Brooke Taylor established the theorem for estimating Taylor’s
polynomials by generalizing the Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem in extended form of mean
value theorem. The mean value theorems represent some of the most useful mathematical
analysis tools .It has numerous applications ranging from solving relatively trivial problems like
finding the number of roots that exists for a polynomial equation helping to prove the
fundamental theorem of calculus itself. The Mean value theorem states that for any given curve
between two end points, there must be a point between given interval at which the slope of
the tangent to the curve is same as the slope the secant through its end points i.e., if f(x) is a
real value function continuous on the close [a, b] and also differentiable on the open interval (a,
f ( b )−f (a)
b), then there is at least a point c in (a, b) such that f ' ( c )= . The Lagrange’s mean
b−a
value theorem is also known as Mean Value Theorem or first mean value theorem.

1.2. Scope of study :

By studying this article the readers will understand and master the conditions of
Lagrange’s mean value theorem and its geometrical interpretations. It will helpful to
understand the difference between Rolle’s Theorem and Mean value theorem. Besides this we
will learn how to use Mean Value Theorem to prove the equalities and inequalities. It makes us
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active for logical thinking and analytical ability. It also can be extended by generalization up to
Taylor’s expansion which is further extended to Maclaurin expansion. We also use mean value
theorem to determine the real roots of the polynomial functions. To prove Lagrange’s Mean
value theorem, we first discuss extreme value theorem, min-max theorem, intermediate value
theorem and Rolle’s Theorem. To understand the applications, we also establish some other
related theorems.

1.3. Limitations of the study:

Mean value theorem cannot be applied if the function is not continuous in the given
closed interval. It will not be applied if the function is not derivable in the given open
interval. It also cannot be valid if any one of the end points of interval is infinity.

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 Chapter -2
Literature review
The mean value theorem was developed after the standard proof of Rolle’s theorems.
The second using, the area of the functions determinations and Roll’s theorems and the
third using a sliding interval technique by R.J. Easton and S.J Wayment [1] which is
interestingly enough, independent of Roll’s theorems. This same technique is used to
prove to theorems by Darboux showing that the derivatives as the property. We will at
times refer to the property of the determinations derivatives Darboux property. Another
analysis of generalizations is given by D.H Trahan [2] n terms of nth order derivatives .D.H
Trahan [2] generalize the Flett’s [3] result by relaxing the conditions that f’(a)=f’(b) and
then follows this with an extensions of the theorems to two functions. We consider
integral mean value theorems for real value functions. The ordinary integral mean value
theorems are proving under the stronger hypothesis than is necessary. K.S Millar [4] has
extended the integral mean value theorems in what he refers to as the first mean value
theorems and the second mean value theorems. We are following this theorem with
two more general theorems. The proof of the which are relatively less involves Recently
S.G Wayment [1] submitted an integral analog to Flett’s [3] theorems in which he
observes that for a continuous function ‘f’ of defined on [a, b] there is a points ‘w’ in
(a, b) at which
w

(w-a) f(w)=∫ f ( x )dx

a

We include his proof along with another proof for comparison. If ‘f’ is a continuous functions
defined on [a, b] which is differentiable on (a, b), the S.G. Wayment has shown with the
Lebesgue integral. The proofs would allow using the Rieman’s integral. If under the derivatives
was necessarily Rieman Integral. However, E.W Hobson [5] provides us with the counter
example.

We retrace the scientific biography of joseph louis Lagrange, entirely dedicated to the study of
mathematician, from the time when, still adolescent be the study of law which were a family
tradition. His existence was divided almost equally into three periods. Turin (1736-1766)
composed his first fundamental memories on vibrating strings and the calculus of variations.
Joseph Louis Lagrange’s pass away quietly in Paris, assisted by his young wife, in April 1813(he
was born in Turin on 25 January 1736). Napoleon, who had made him first senator of the
French republic, and then count of the Empire, and defend him as the haute pyramid des
Science Mathematics order that the he commemorated in the French empire and the
confederate state.

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 Chapter -3
THEOREMS AND DISCUSSION
Theorem 3.1 (Extreme value Theorem): If f is a continuous function defined on a closed interval
[a, b], then the function attains its absolute maximum value or absolute minimum value at
some point c contained in the interval (a , b).
(a) Preliminary concept:

(b) Basic concept

Figure -1

From the above graphs we can easily say that the continuous function in a closed interval gets
maximum and minimum values. This happens when function changes its direction from

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increasing to decreasing or decreasing to increasing. It is also clear that the function is said to
have
- Absolute maximum at c if f(c) ≥ f(x) for all x of domain set.
- Absolute minimum at c if f(c) ≤ f(x) for all x of domain set.
-Local maximum at c∈a,b) if f(c )≥ f(x ) for all x of (a, b).
- Local maximum at c∈¿ a,b) if f(c ) ≤ f(x ) for all x of (a,b).
Theorem 3.2 (Intermediate Value Theorem): Let f(x) be a continuous function on a closed
interval [a, b] and w be any real number between f(a) and f(b) then there exists a point c in (a,
b) such that f(c)=w [1]

Figure -2
To understand this
intermediate value theorem, we discuss following examples.
Example1: Is there any root of x5-2x3-1= 0 between 0 and 2.
Solution: Here, we have x5-2x3-1= 0.
Consider f(x) = x5-2x3-1
When x=0, f (0) = x5-2x3-1=-1
When x=2, f (2) = x5-2x3-1=15

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Now, it is obvious that 0 lies between -1 and 15.So by intermediate value theorem f(x)=0 must
have corresponding value x between the given numbers 0 and 2.It means the given equation x 5-
2x3-1= 0 must have at least a root between 0 and 2. It can easily be verified from the following
figure Fig-1. In this figure we obtain that the curve has cut the x axis at a point between 0 and 2
which is one of the solutions of the given equation.

Fig-3
Example2: Is there any root of x5-2x3-1= 0 between 0 and 1.
Solution: Here, we have x5-2x3-1= 0.
Consider f(x) = x5-2x3-1
When x=0, f (0) = x5-2x3-1=-1
When x=1, f (1) = x5-2x3-1=-2
Now, it is obvious that 0 does not lie between -1 and -2.So by intermediate value theorem
f(x)=0 has no corresponding value x between the given numbers 0 and 1.It means the given
equation x5-2x3-1= 0 has no root between 0 and 1. It can also be verified from the above figure
Fig-1.
Theorem 3.3 (Rolle’s Theorem): Let y=f(x) be a real valued function defined on a closed
interval [a, b] satisfying the following conditions.
i. f (x) is continuous on [a, b]
ii. f (x) is differential on (a, b)
iii. f (a)= f (b)

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Then there exists a point c in (a, b) such that f’(c) =0.
Proof: Here,
y=f(x) is a real valued continuous function defined in the closed interval as shown in the
figure, Fig-2.The slope of the line joining two points (a,f(a)) and (b,f(b)) is given by
f (b )−f (a ) f (b )−f (b )
=0
b−a b−a
Slope = . But given that f(a)= f(b) and hence slope= .
Again from the figure Fig-2 it is clear that the tangent passing through the point (c,f(c)) is
parallel to this line whose slope is 0.So we must have f’(c)=0.

(c,f(c )) f’(c)=0 Y=f(x

(a,f(a)) (b,f(b))

0 a c b x

Fig-4
Example 1:
If ax2 + b x + c = 0, a, b, c ∈ R. Find the condition that this equation would have at least one root
in (0, 1).
Solution: Let f’(x) = ax2 + b x + c
Integrating both sides,
 => f(x) = ax3 / 3 + bx2 / 2 + c x + d 
=> f(0) = d and f(1) = a/3 + b/2 + c + d
Since, Rolle’s Theorem is applicable

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=> f(0) = f(1) => d = a/3 + b/2 + c + d
=> 2a + 3b + 6c = 0
Hence required condition is 2a + 3b + 6c = 0

Example 2:

Prove that x3+x-3=0 has exactly one real root.

Proof:

1st part: It has at least one real root.

Let f(x) = x3+x-3 f(0)=-3 and f(2)=7. Thus f(0) and f(2) have opposite signs and hence 0 lies
between these two values.So by inter mediate value theorem f(x)=0 must have corresponding
value x which proves it has at least one root.

2nd part: It has only one real root

Suppose on the cotrary it has two real roots.Let those two roots be a and b.So we must have
f(a)=0= f(b).As the given function is continuous on [a,b] and differentiable on (a,b) including
f(a)=f(b),all the conditions are satisfied. So by Rolle’s theorem there exists a point c between a
and b such that f′(c)=0

But f′(x)=3x2+1= 0 which has no real solution.Thus our assumption it has two real roots is
wrong.So by contradiction it must have only one root.This completes the proof.

Theorem3.4 (Mean Value Theorem OR Lagrange’s Mean value Theorem): If f is a continuous

function on a closed interval [a,b] and if f′(x) exists on the open interval (a,b) in its domain, then
f (b)−f ( a)
=
b−a
there exists a number c in the interval (a,b) such that f′(c)

Proof: Define a function

F(x) = [f (b)-f (a)] x –f(x) (b-a)………………………(i)

Being a sum of differential function on (a, b), derivative of F(x) exists and it is given by

F′(x) = [f (b)-f (a)] –f′(x) (b-a)………………………(ii)

Being a sum of continuous function on [a, b], F(x) is also continuous on [a, b]

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Now, put x=a and x=b turn by turn in (i), we get

F(a)=[f(b)-f(a)]a-f(a)(b-a)= a f (b)-b f(a)

F(b)=[f(b)-f(a)]b-f(b)(b-a)= a f (b)-b f(a)

i.e. , F (b) =F (a)

Thus,

F(x) is continuous on [a, b]

F′(x) exists on (a, b)
F(a) =F(b)
So, by Rolle’s Theorem one can say that there exists at least a point c in (a, b) such that f′(c) =o.
Then from equation (ii) we obtain that

0 = [f (b)-f (a)] –f′(c) (b-a)

f (b)−f ( a)
=
b−a
f′(c)
∴

Geometrical Interpretation of Mean Value Theorem

Figure -5

Here the above figure shows the graph of function f(x).

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 f (b )−f (a )
b−a
Let A = (a, f (a)) and B = (b, f (b)).The slope of this secant line AB is given by
drawn through the point (c, f(c)) is given by f′(c). From the above figure it
The slope of tangent
is clear that the slope of the tangent line is same as secant line and they are parallel to each
f (b)−f ( a)
=
b−a
other. Thus we again obtain f′ (c)

Difference between the mean value theorem and the Rolle’s Theorem.
Mean value theorem Rolle’s theorem

Here function f is continuous on a closed interval Here function f is continuous on a closed interval [a,
[a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b). If f
1. Definition b). Then there is at least one point c in (a, b) (a) = f (b), then there is at least one point c in (a, b)
where where f '(c) = 0.
f '(c) = (f (b) - f (a)) / (b - a).

At point c the tangent is parallel to the secant At point c the tangent is parallel to the x-axis.
2. Tangent
joining (a, f(a)) and (b, f(b))

It is the first mean value theorem. It is also It is a special case of mean value theorem.
3. Difference
known as Lagrange’s mean value theorem.

The mean value theorem has also a clear physical interpretation. If we assume

that f(t) represents the position of a body moving along a line, depending on the time t, then
the ratio of
f(b)−f(a)and b−a

is the average velocity of the body in the period of time b−a. Since f′(t) is the instantaneous
velocity, this theorem means that there exists a moment of time ξ, in which the instantaneous
speed is equal to the average speed. Lagrange’s Mean value theorem has many applications in

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mathematical Analysis, computational mathematics and other fields. There are some cases
related to Lagrange’s Mean Value theorem
Case: 1
In a particular case when the values of the function f(x) at the endpoints of the segment [a,
b] are equal, i.e. f(a)=f(b), the mean value theorem implies that there is a point ξ∈(a, b) such
that
f′(ξ)={f(b)−f(a)}/(b−a)=0 then we get Rolle’s theorem, which can be considered as a special case of
Lagrange’s mean value theorem.[3]

Case: 2
If the derivative f′(x) is zero at all points of the interval [a, b] then the function f(x) is constant
on this interval. Indeed, for any two points x1 and x2 in the interval [a, b] there exists a point
ξ∈(a, b) such that
f(x2)−f(x1)=f′(ξ)(x2−x1)=0⋅(x2−x1)=0.

Consequently, f(x1) =f(x2).

Case: 3

If f(x) and g(x) are two functions such that (i) f(x) and g(x) are continuous in [a, b]

(ii) f(x) and g(x) are derivable in (a ,b) and (iii) g’(x)≠ 0 for all x∈(a,b), the there exists at least
'
f ( b )−f (a) f (c)
one value c∈(a,b) such that = '
g ( b )−g( a) g (c )

This is said to be Cauchy’s Mean Value Theorem. If we put g(x) = x in the above expression
f ( b ) −f ( a) '
reduces to =f (c ) which is Lagrange’s mean value theorem. So Lagranges Mean
b−a
value theorem is the special case of Cauchy’s mean value theorem and Cauchy’s mean value
theorem is considered as the generalization of Lagrange’s mean value theorem.

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 Chapter -4
Application of Mean value theorem

4.1 Both Rolle's and the Mean Value Theorem are statements of pure existence. Except for
claiming that point c lies in the interval (a, b), neither provides more accurate information
as to its location. For this reason, generations of students found the theorems perplexing.
Following J.Dieudonne, R.P.Boas argued that the following form of the MVT is both more
intuitive and no less useful [6].

Assume the derivative f ' of function f is bounded on (a, b):

22
 m ≤ f '(x) ≤ M.
Then
(b - a)m ≤ f(b) - f(a) ≤ M(b - a).
For a function, which is the integral of its derivative, this is the same as

which, in turn, is a form of what is known as the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals.

4.2 To prove ,for any two real numbers a and b, 

| cos a - cos b| ≤ | a - b|
by using mean value theorem.

Proof : The function cos x is continuous and differentiable for all real numbers. Here we have

f(x)= cosx, then by mean value theorem

f’(x) = [cos a - cos b] / [a - b] 

Take the absolute value of both sides 

| (cos x) ' | = | [cos a - cos b] / [a - b] | 

(cos x)' = - sin x, hence. 

| (cos x) ' | ≤ 1 

Which gives 

| [cos a - cos b] / [a - b] |≤ 1 

But 

| [cos a - cos b] / [a - b] | = |cos a - cos b| / |a - b| 

When combined with the above gives 

|cos a - cos b| / |a - b| ≤ 1 

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Multiply both sides by |a - b| to obtain 

|cos a - cos b| ≤ |a - b|

4.3: Taylor’s theorem in finite form with Lagrange’s form of remainder and Cauchy’s form of
remainder need Lagrange’s mean value theorem as the base, which is used to give Maclaurin
series in finite form.

Chapter-5
Conclusion

Mean Value Theorem plays an important role in the study of the nature of the functions
such as increasing, decreasing of the functions. To find the maximum and minimum values
of the function and to check the concavity and the convexity of the function we use mean
value theorem. It describes about the properties of continuity and differentiability of the
function in the given interval. Although the MVT is an important aspect of the calculus, it is
often tedious to verify for the function which is not continuous and not differentiable. It also

24
 helps Taylor’s theorem and Maclaurin theorem to expand the function in finite and infinite
form. It is useful in Fundamental theorem of Integral Calculus .Moreover we have used
mean value theorem to find the number of real roots of the polynomial functions.

References
[1] Easton, R. J. and S. G. Wayment, "The Sliding Interval Technique," The American
Mathematical Monthly, Vol. 75, October (1968), pp
[2] Trahan, D. H., A New Type of Mean Value Theorem," Mathematics Magazine, Vol. 39,
November 1966, pp. 264-268.
[3] Flett, T. M., A Mean Value Theorem," Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 42, 1958, pp. 38-39.
[4] Miller, K. S., Advanced Real Calculus, Harper and Brothers, New York, 1957, pp. 75-77
[5] Hobson, E.W., The Theory of Functions of a Real Variable, Vol. I, Dover Publications, Inc.,
New York, 1927, pp. 490-4917
[6] J.Dieudonne, R.P.Boas.,A century of calculus II .T. Apostol et al(eds),MAA,1992

THANK YOU
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