Math 1210

11/2/17
Professor Hider
Jerusha Cobb
Math 1210 Signature Assignment 1

The Mean Value Theorem

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

The mean value theorem states that if f(x) is continuous and defined on a closed interval
[a, b] and differentiable on an open interval (a, b), then there is a number c inside the
interval (a, b) such that f (c) = (f(b) -f(a))/(b-a). Or equivalently, f(b) -f(a) = f (c)(b-a).

Consider the function f (x)= x+2/x+5 on the interval [-3, 7]. Explain how this meets the
conditions of the Mean Value Theorem.
This function meets the conditions of the mean value theorem because the function is
continuous on the closed interval of [-3,7] and differentiable on the open interval of
(-3,7).
Find the average rate of change of () 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) f(-3) = -1/2 To find the average rate of change
f(7) = (7+2)/(7+5) f(7) = 9/12 f(7) = I first found the values for the
given closed interval. Once I had
Ave rate of change
those value I was able to pug them
( - (-1/2)) / (7- (-3)) ( + ) / (7+3) (5/4)/ 10 1/8 into the f (c) = (f(b) -f(a))/(b-a)
Equation of the line and find the average rate of
change. With the average rate of
(Y2 -Y1)/ (X2-X1) change (the slope) I could find the
(3/4 (-1/2))/(7-(-3)) (5/4)/10 1/8. m = 1/8 , equation of the line.
Y (-1/2) = 1/8(X+3) Y = 1/8X + 3/8 - 1/2 Y = 1/8X -
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 () at each value of c.

f (c) = (3/4 (-1/2))/ (7-(-3)) f (c) = (5/4)/10 f (c) = 1/8 Using the slope and the Mean
Value Theorem I was able to set
f (c) = (c + 2)/(c + 5) f (c) = ((c+ 5)(1) (c+2)(1))/ (c+5)^2 the equation equal to the slope and
f (c) = 3/(c+5)^2 find the values for c. I found the
values of c using the quadratic
equation since the function did not
1/8 = 3/ (x^2 +10x +25) 1/8x^2 +5/4x + 25/8 = 3 1/8x^2 factor easy.
+5/4x+1/8 = 0

1/8(x^2+10x+1) =) 1/8 (x 9.9)(x-0.1) c = 0, 9.9,0.1

Tangent lines

F (0) = 3/25 , m= 3/25 , f(0) = 2/5 , c= 0. Y-2/5 = 3/25(x-0)

Y=3/25X + 2/5
Using the values of c, I found the
tangent line of each of the values
F (9.9) = 8.9 , m= 0.014 , f(9.9) = 0.8 , c = 9.9 . Y-0.8 = 0.014(x-
so I could then graph them.
9.9) Y = 0.014x 0.14+0.8 Y= 0.014X + 0.66

F (0.1) = 0.12 , m= 0.12 , f(0.1) = 0.41 , c= 0.1 , Y-0.41 =

0.12(X-0.1) Y= 0.1X -0.012 +0.41 Y= 0.1X + 0.398
 Using technology, graph the function f (x)= x+2/x+5 and the above lines on the same axes.
Choose an appropriate viewing window. Include the graph in your report.

Explain 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. Cite
any sources used.
The Mean Value the tells at each point c, the instantaneous velocity is the same as the average
rate of change for this given function. On my graph we can see that the green, orange, and
black lines, the c values, are parallel blue line, the original function graph.
One real world example of the Mean Value Theorem is seeing if a car is speeding and to issue
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 if the car at any point was
speeding, and if it was issued a ticket.

________________________________________________________________________
______ Expectations:
All signature assignments must be completely word processed, including using an
equation editor for all mathematics. Hand-written work will not be graded. All
mathematical steps must be shown and there must be narrative in place to explain your
process to your reader. Any charts or graphs will also be computer generated. Your
problem will be presented in a clear and logical way. You should address all questions
and explanations. A signature assignment should be an exposition of your finest work
and presentation.
There are writing labs on campus for general writing help. For help using the equation
editor in Microsoft Word go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cir8RXGTEq8
A copy of this assignment will be placed in your SLCC general education e-Portfolio.
Math 1210 is a Quantitative Literacy (QL) general education course. See your syllabus
for more information regarding e-Portfolios.