Math 1210 Signature Assignment

The Mean Value Theorem

Begin by making a complete statement of the mean value theorem.

x+2
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = x+5 on the interval [-3, 7]. Explain how this meets the conditions
of the Mean Value Theorem.
f(x) is discontinuous and non-differentiable on x= -5, also it is not in the interval.
Find the average rate of change of 𝑓(𝑥) on [-3, 7], and find the equation of the line segment that
connects the points (-3, f (-3)) and (7, f (7)).
f(-3) = (-3+2)/(-3+5) = -1/2. f(-3) = -1/2
f(7) = (7+2)/(7+5) = 9/12 = 3/4. f(7) = 3/4
Average rate of Change
(f(b)-f(a)/(b-a) = [(3/4)-(-(1/2)]/[7-(-3)]
= (¾ + ½)/10 = (5/4)/10 =1/8
m = 1/8
Equation of The Line
y-y1=m(x-x1)
y-(-1/2)=1/8(x-(-3)
y+1/2=1/8(x+3)
y = 1/8(x)+3/8-1/2
Y=1/8(x)-1/8
Find any numbers c, which are guaranteed by the Mean Value Theorem, and find the equation of
the tangent line to the function 𝑓(𝑥) at each value of c. Use exact values and show all work.
f(c)= (x+2)/(x+5)
f ’(c) = [(x+5).1 – (x+2).1]/(x+5)2
f’ (c) = 3/(x+5)2
f ’(c)= 1/8
1/8 = 3(x+5)2
1/8 = 3(x2+10x+25) , 24 = (x+5)2
 𝑆𝑞𝑟𝑡(24) = 𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡[(𝑥 + 5)2] , ±2√6 = 𝑥 + 5

X1= 2√6 − 5 = -0.1

X2 = -2√6 − 5 = -9.9
Tangent Lines
f’(0) = 3/25, m = 3/25
f (0) = 2/5, c = 0
y-2/5 = 3/25(x-0)
y = 2/25 (x) +2/5

f (9.9) = 8.9, m = 0.01

f (9.9) = 0.8, c = 9.9
y-0.8 = 0.01(x-9-9)
y = 0.01x+0.8-0.1
y = 0.01 x + 0.7

f’ (0.1) =0.1, m = 0.1

f (0.1) = 0.4, c = 0.1
y-0.4 = 0.1(x-0.1)
y = 0.1x+0.4-0.012
y = 0.1x+0.38
y = 0.01x + 0.4
x+2
Using technology, graph the function 𝑓(𝑥) = x+5 and the above lines on the same axes. Choose
an appropriate viewing window. Include the graph in your report.
Explain in layman’s terms what the Mean Value Theorem tells us about rates of change referring
to your graph as an example. Give one “real world” example of an application of the Mean
Value Theorem. Your example should include the meaning or purpose of the Mean Value
Theorem in the given context and an explanation of why it may be important in a real
application. What problems did you encounter in completing the assignment? How did you
troubleshoot them, if you did? What new skills or insights did completing the assignment give
you? Cite any sources used.
 The mean Value Theorem tells us at each point c, the instantaneous velocity in the sane
as the average rate of change for this given function. On my graph we can see that the green,
purple lines, are parallel.
One example of the Mean Value Theorem is seeing a car is speeding and to issue a speeding
tickets. The Mean Value Theorem can be applied if the time a car started and reached a certain
point is known, the distance between points, and the speed limit between the two points. The
Mean Value Theorem can then be used to see at any point if the car was speeding.