Calculus 2 Page 1 of 13

The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

Topic: The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

WELCOME MATHEMATICS MAJOR STUDENTS !!!

I. INTRODUCTION:

This module is especially designed for you, dear mathematics majors, so that you will have a clear
understanding of themean-value theorem for integrals. This module also aims to guide you think critically and
communicate effectively with your peers. Specific objectives for each activity are stated to serve as your
guide.

As a mathematics major student, it is expected that you have gained competence in

the graphical analysis of functions.

As you go along this module, your computational, problem solving, and critical thinking skills
shall be developed, including your accuracy in getting the value of the definite integral of a given
function.

II. OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. state and use the mean-value theorem for integrals.
2. define the average value of a function on the closed interval [ a, b ].

Before you proceed to the main lesson, test yourself in this activity.

Try to recall this concept which you will need in the study of this module:
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The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

III. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES:

Activity 1: Answer the following:

Multiple Choice: Read very well, then choose the best answer:

_____1. What is the value of the summation of the first five odd positive numbers ?
A. 25 B. 35 C. 20 D. 40

_____2. Which of the following is the symbol for summation of x i , where i = 1 to 3 ?

A. 1 + 2 + 3 B. x i + 3 C. i1 + i2 + i3 D. x1 + x2 + x3

2
_____3. What is the value of ∫0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

_____4. Which of the following is the symbol for summation?

A. Ø B. ∩ C. ∑ D. U

_____5. What is the average of the first three even numbers?

A. 4 B. 6 C. 5 D. 8

How many correct answers did you get?

GREAT!!!
You may now proceed to the main lesson.
 Calculus 2 Page 3 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

IV. LESSON PROPER

LET’S BEGIN!

Lesson 1.

We are now ready to state and prove the mean-value theorem for integrals. This theorem is very
important since it is used in the proof of many important theorems, the most prominent of which is the
fundamental theorems of the calculus.

Before we state the mean-value theorem for integrals, let us clarify it first by having an illustration that
interprets this theorem geometrically.

Consider f(x) ≥ 0 for all values of x in the closed

𝑏
interval [ a, b ]. Then, ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 gives the measure of
the area of the region bounded by the curve whose equation
is y = f(x), the x – axis, and the lines x = a and x = b. f(x) R
See the figure. A
C D
The mean-value theorem for integrals states that S
f(x)
there is a number 𝒙 in [ a, b ] such that the area of the F E
rectangle CDEF of height f(x) units and width ( b – a ) units a x b
is equal to the region FSRE.

Theorem: If the function f is continuous on the closed interval [ a, b ], there exists a number
𝑏
x in [ a, b ] such that ∫𝑎 𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑓(𝒙)( 𝒃 − 𝒂).

Proof : Because f is continuous on [ a, b ], from the extreme-value theorem the function f

has an absolute maximum value and an absolute minimum value on [ a, b ].

Let m be the absolute minimum vaue occurring at x = xm . Thus,

f ( xm ) = m , a ≤ xm ≤ b.

Let M be the absolute maximum value , occurring at x = xM . Thus,

f ( xM ) = M , a ≤ xM ≤ b.

We have, then,
m ≤ f(x) ≤ M for all x in [ a, b ].
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The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

From theorem, which states that “Suppose that the function f is continuous on the
closed interval [ a, b ], then, if m and M are, respectively, the absolute minimum and the
absolute maximum function values of f on the closed interval [ a, b ], so that
m ≤ f(x) ≤ M, for a ≤ x ≤ b, it follows that
𝒃
m ( b – a ) ≤ ∫𝒂 𝒇(𝒙)𝒅𝒙 ≤ M ( b – a ).
Dividing both by ( b – a ) and noting that ( b – a ) is positive since b > a, we get

𝒃
∫𝒂 𝒇(𝒙)𝒅𝒙
m ≤ ≤ M . But we know that f ( xm ) = m, and f ( xM ) = M,
𝒃−𝒂
so,
𝒃
∫𝒂 𝒇(𝒙)𝒅𝒙
f ( xm ) ≤ 𝒃−𝒂
≤ f ( xM ) . Or,

𝒃
∫𝒂 𝒇(𝒙)𝒅𝒙 𝒃
f (x ) =
𝒃−𝒂
= ∫𝒂 𝒇(𝒙) 𝒅𝒙 = 𝒇(𝒙) ( 𝒃 − 𝒂 )., a ≤ x ≤ b.

3
Example 1. Find the value of x such that ∫1 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥 )( 3 − 1), if f(x) = x2.

𝟑 𝒙𝟑 𝟑 𝟐𝟕 𝟏 𝟐𝟔
Solution: ∫𝟏 𝒙𝟐 𝒅𝒙 = │ = − = . Now, we wish to find x , such that
𝟑 𝟏 𝟑 𝟑 𝟑

26 𝟐𝟔 𝟏𝟑
𝑓 (𝑥 ) ∙ 2 = . This means 2x2 = . Or, 𝒙𝟐 = .
3 𝟑 𝟑

1
Therefore, x = ± 3 √39. Since the negative value is not in the interval [ 1, 3 ],

3 1
Thus, ∫1 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 = 𝑓( √39 ( 3 − 1 ).
3

Activity 1. Find the value of x satisfying the mean-value theorem for integrals:
𝟐
1. ∫𝟎 𝒙𝟐 𝒅𝒙
a. Find the definite integral
b. Substitute the computed value in the theorem
c. Evaluate.
d. Explain.
𝟐
2. ∫𝟏 𝒙𝟑 𝒅𝒙
a. Find the definite integral
b. Substitute the computed value in the theorem
c. Evaluate.
d. Explain.
 Calculus 2 Page 5 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

Based on our first set of activities, what did you notice about it?
_______________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
You may now proceed to the next discussion.

Lesson 2. The mean-value or average value of f on the interval [ a, b ].

This mean-value or average value of f on the interval [ a, b ] is a generalization of the

arithmetic mean of a finite set of numbers. That is, if { f(x 1), f( x2 ), . . ., f( xn )} is a set of n numbers,
then the arithmetic mean is given by

 f (x )
i 1
i
. The quotient corresponds to the arithmetic mean of n numbers.
n

To generalize this definition, consider a regular partition of the closed interval [ a, b ], which is
𝑏−𝑎
divided into n subintervals of equal lengths Δ𝑥 = 𝑛 .

This leads to the following definition.

If the function f is integrable on the closed interval [ a, b ], the average value of f on [ a, b ] is

𝑏
∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
.
𝑏−𝑎

Example 2. a. If f(x) = x2 , find the average value of f on the interval [ 1, 3 ].

b. Interpret the result of part a geometrically.

Solution: a. Get the integral of f(x) over the interval [ 1, 3 ].

3 26
∫1 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = 3 . So, the average value ( A. V. ) of f on [ 1, 3 ] is

26
3 13
A. V. = = .
3−1 3

b. In Example 1, we had this function.

So, f ( 1/3 √𝟑𝟗) = 𝟏𝟑/𝟑. 4.3

Therefore, the average value of f occurs at

1/3 √𝟑𝟗. Refer to the figure.
1 3
𝟏𝟑 2.08
Notice that the point (1/3 √𝟑𝟗, ) is in
𝟑
 Calculus 2 Page 6 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

the middle of the graph. Since the average of f occurs at 1/3 √𝟑𝟗, then the area of the
rectangular figure with height 13/3 and width 2 units is equal to the area of the region
bounded by the curve , the lines x = 1, and x = 3 and the x-axis.

An application of the average value of a function occurs in physics and engineering in

connection with the concept of center of mass.

Activity 2. Find the value of x satisfying the mean-value theorem for integrals.

4
1. ∫2 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥

a. Find the definite integral

b. Substitute the computed value in the theorem
c. Evaluate.
d. Explain.

2. a. If f(x) = x3 , find the average value of f on the interval [ 1, 3 ].

b. Interpret the result of part a. geometrically.
 Calculus 2 Page 7 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

We had just finished the discussion on getting the area between

the curves of given functions by process of integration. Let’s move on
to the next higher level of activity/ies or exercise/s that demonstrate
your potential skills/knowledge of what you have learned.

V. ANALYSIS, APPLICATION AND EXPLORATION

Name ____________________________ Year & Section__________________

Direction/Instruction:

I. Activity 1: . Find the value of x satisfying the mean-value theorem for integrals:

1
1. ∫−2 𝑥 4 𝑑𝑥

a. Find the definite integral

b. Substitute the computed value in the theorem
c. Evaluate.
d. Explain.

𝟐
2. ∫−𝟐(𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏) 𝒅𝒙

a. Find the definite integral

b. Substitute the computed value in the theorem
c. Evaluate.
d. Explain
 Calculus 2 Page 8 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

II. Activity 2.

1. Summarize the steps on how to solve for the value of x satisfying the mean-value
theorem for integrals..

2. Also, summarize the steps on how to solve for the average value of a function on
a given closed interval.

III. Activity 3. A. Find the average value of the function on the given closed interval
B. Interpret the result geometrically.

𝟒
1. ∫𝟏 𝒙𝟐 𝒅𝒙

𝟑
2. ∫𝟏 𝒙𝟑 𝒅𝒙
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The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

Finally, let us summarize the lesson we had discussed today.

VI. GENERALIZATION

Name ____________________________ Year & Section__________________

Direction/Instruction:

Activity 1. a. List the different topics covered for this module.

b. Of these different topics, identify the topic that you enjoyed the most.
Explain.

c. Identify the topic that you need more discussion.

Explain why.
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The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

KUDOS!

You have come to the end of Module 9.

OOPS! Don’t forget that you have still an assignment to

do.

VII. ASSIGNMENT

Name:____________________________Year & Section: __________________

Direction/Instruction:

Answer the following: 10 points

Activity 1. Solve the following:

2 3
1. a. Given that ∫−1 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = , find the average value of the identity function on the
2
interval [ - 1, 2 ].

b. Also, find the value of x at which the average value occurs.

c. Give a geometric interpretation of the results.

𝜋
2. a. Given that ∫0 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2 , find the average value of the sine function on the
interval [ 0, π ].

b. Also, find the smallest value of x at which the average value occurs.

c. Give a geometric interpretation of the results.

 Calculus 2 Page 11 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

After your long journey of reading and accomplishing

the module, let us now challenge your mind by answering the
evaluation part of this module.
VIII. EVALUATION

Name:____________________________________Year & Section: ______

Direction/Instruction: 15 points .

Multiple Choice. Choose the best answer:

1. What is the integral of ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 ?

A. 𝑥 3 /3 + 𝐶
B. 𝑥 3 + 𝐶
C. 𝑥 2 + 𝐶
D. x +𝐶
ANSWER:______

2. Using the fundamental identities, what is equivalent to the expression 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 ?

A. 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
B. − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2x
C. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
D. − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
ANSWER:______
𝑏
∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
3. Which of the following is referred to by the formula .?
𝑏−𝑎
A. average value of a function on the interval [ a, b ]
B. integral of a function
C. derivative of a function
D. fundamental theorem of integrals
ANSWER:______

4. As a fundamental identity, ( 1 − cos 2x)/ 2 is equal to which one of the following ?

A. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
B. 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
C. tan x
D. cot x
ANSWER:______
 Calculus 2 Page 12 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals

2
5. What is the value of the integral ∫0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 4
D. 0
ANSWER:______

2
6. Which of the following is the value of x such that ∫0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = f ( x )( 2 – 0) on the
interval [ 0, 2 ] ?
A. 0
B. – 1
C. 1
D. 2
ANSWER:______

7. As a fundamental identity, ( 1 + cos 2x)/ 2 is equal to which one of the following ?

A. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
B. 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
C. tan x
D. cot x
ANSWER:______

8. Given the function f(x) = x 3 , find the average value of the function on the interval [ 0, 2 ].
A. 1
B. 4
C. 3
D. 2
ANSWER:______

9. Using the Pythagorean identity, which one of the following is equal to −𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 ?
A. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 + 1
B. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 − 1
C. 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 1
D. tan x
ANSWER:______
 Calculus 2 Page 13 of 13
The Mean-Value Theorem for Integrals
10. An application of the average value of a function usually occurs in which of the following?
A. music
B. algebra
C. physics
D. geometry
ANSWER:______

CONGRATULATIONS on reaching the end of this module!

You may now proceed to the next module.
Don’t forget to submit all the exercises, activities and
portfolio
on ___________________.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Well Done!!!