Mathematics Atlas

How Proof Is Made
Theorems

Mean Value Theorem

Also Known As Lagrange's Mean Value Theorem
Analysis

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The mean value theorem states that for a function continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b), there exists some point c in (a, b) where the function's instantaneous rate of change equals its average rate of change over the whole interval.

Facts
Statement
For a function f continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), there exists some c in (a, b) such that f prime of c equals f(b) minus f(a), divided by b minus a. 1
Proof Year
1823 1
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Sources
1. Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundationopening paragraph
Quote, opening paragraph
the average rate of change of such a function over an interval is equal to the instantaneous rate of change at some point in the interval
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1. Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationStatement section
Quote, Statement section
Let f : [a, b] to R be a continuous function on the closed interval [a, b], and differentiable on the open interval (a, b), where a < b. Then there exists some c in (a, b) such that f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a).
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1. Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationHistory section
Quote, History section
The mean value theorem in its modern form was stated and proved by Augustin Louis Cauchy in 1823.
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1. Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundationlead section
Quote, lead section
the mean value theorem (or Lagrange's mean value theorem) is a theorem about differentiable functions
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