Rolle's Theorem Verification: Calculus Problems and Solutions
Published on July 10, 2025
Verify Rolle's Theorem for two functions: f(x) = e^x(sin x - cos x) and f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6, by checking the conditions of the theorem and finding the value(s) of c where the derivative is zero.
Question
Answer
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is continuous on the closed interval . -
is differentiable on the open interval . -
.
Then there exists at least one numberin such that .
The functions
The product of continuous functions is continuous, and the difference of continuous functions is continuous.
Therefore,
We need to find the derivative
Using the product rule
Therefore,
Here
We know that
Since
In the interval
Since
Therefore,
We need to find the derivative
Since
Therefore,
Here
This is a quadratic equation. We can use the quadratic formula
Here
Since
Since
For the first function,
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is continuous on because , , and are continuous everywhere. -
exists for all , so is differentiable on . -
.
.
So,.
All conditions are met. Setting: . The value is in .
-
is a polynomial, so it is continuous on . -
exists for all , so is differentiable on . -
.
.
So,.
All conditions are met. Setting: .
Using the quadratic formula,.
Bothand are in the interval .