Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem and Its Proof
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Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem
Suppose f and g are two functions such that:
- f and g are continuous on the closed interval [a, b].
- f and g are differentiable on the open interval (a, b).
- For all x in the open interval (a, b), g'(x) ≠ 0.
Then there exists a number z in the open interval (a, b) such that:
[f(b) - f(a)] / [g(b) - g(a)] = f'(z) / g'(z)
Proof of the Theorem
Proving that g(b) is not equal to g(a)
First, we show that g(b) ≠ g(a). We use a proof by contradiction; assume that g(b) = g(a). Since g satisfies the conditions of the Mean Value Theorem, there is some number c in (a, b) such that:
g'(c) = [g(b) - g(a)] / (b - a)
If we assume g(b) = g(a), then g(b) - g(a) = 0, which implies g'(c) = 0. This contradicts the third condition of our hypothesis,... Continue reading "Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem and Its Proof" »