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 198: 52

Answer

See explanations.

Work Step by Step

Step 1. We can simulate the speed of the marathoner as a continuous function. The average speed can be calculated as $\bar v=26.2/2.2\approx11.9$ mph. Step 2. The initial and final speeds are zero; to have an average speed of $11.9$mph, the runner should have reached the average speed at least once (using the Mean Value Theorem). Let us assume it was at time $t$ Step 3. Because the average speed $\bar v\gt11$mph, from start to time $t$, the runner should have reached $11$mph at least once. Step 4. From time $t$ to finish, the runner should have reached $11$mph at least one more time. Step 5. We conclude that the marathoner was running at exactly $11$mph at least twice.
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