Thomas' Calculus 13th Edition

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32187-896-5
ISBN 13: 978-0-32187-896-0

Chapter 4: Applications of Derivatives - Section 4.2 - The Mean Value Theorem - Exercises 4.2 - Page 197: 13

Answer

Rolle's Theorem does not apply (f(x) is not continuous on $[0,1]$), so there are no contradictions.

Work Step by Step

The hypotheses for Rolle's Theorem are (1) $y=f(x)$ is continuous over the closed interval $[a, b]$ and (2) $f(x)$ is differentiable at every point of its interior $(a, b)$. --- In this problem, (1) - the only issue with continuity could arise at $x=1.$ $\displaystyle \lim_{x\rightarrow 1^{-}}f(x)=\lim_{x\rightarrow 1^{-}}x=1$ Since the left limit at $x=1$ does not equal $f(1)=0,$ $f(x)$ is not left-continuous at the right border of $[0,1]$; that is, f is not continuous on $[0,1]$. Thus, hypothesis (1) is not satisfied.
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