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Theorem

Mean Value Theorem

Also Known As Lagrange's Mean Value Theorem
Analysis

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. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

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
Classification
Statement Form
Identity or Equation 1
Connections

Associated With

Derivative, Concepts

The theorem states a differentiable function's average rate of change equals its derivative at some interior point.

Additional Source Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)Statement section

Has Statement Form

Equation, Concepts
Identity, Concepts

In Branch

Source Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)

Proved By

Source Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Mean Value Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • 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
  • History
    The mean value theorem in its modern form was stated and proved by Augustin Louis Cauchy in 1823.
  • History section
    The mean value theorem in its modern form was stated and proved by Augustin Louis Cauchy in 1823.
  • lead section
    the mean value theorem (or Lagrange's mean value theorem) is a theorem about differentiable functions
  • Lead section, statement-form reference
    In calculus and real analysis, the mean value theorem (or Lagrange's mean value theorem) is a theorem about differentiable functions, roughly stating that 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.
  • Associated With: Derivative, 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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