55615012
A function \(f\) is continuous on \([1,5]\) and differentiable on \((1,5)\). Suppose \(f(1)=3\) and \(f(5)=11\).
What value of \(f'(c)\) does the Mean Value Theorem guarantee for at least one \(c\in(1,5)\)?
Hints
- Check that the theorem's two hypotheses are already supplied.
- What slope is determined by the two endpoint values?
- The theorem matches an instantaneous slope to that endpoint slope.
Solution
1. The hypotheses of the Mean Value Theorem are given: continuity on the closed interval and differentiability on the open interval.
2. The secant slope is \(\frac{f(5)-f(1)}{5-1}=\frac{11-3}{4}=2\).
3. Therefore, there is at least one \(c\in(1,5)\) such that \(f'(c)=2\).
Answer
\(f'(c)=2\) for at least one \(c\in(1,5)\).
