Math Problem Statement

Determine whether the statement is true or false.

If f is differentiable and f(−6) = f(6), then there is a number c such that |c| < 6 and f '(c) = 0.

Solution

The statement is true.

This conclusion comes from the application of the Mean Value Theorem. The theorem states that if a function ff is continuous on a closed interval [a,b][a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a,b)(a, b), then there exists a point cc in (a,b)(a, b) where

f(c)=f(b)f(a)ba.f'(c) = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}.

In this problem:

  1. The function ff is given as differentiable, which implies it is also continuous.
  2. We have f(6)=f(6)f(-6) = f(6), meaning that the values of ff at x=6x = -6 and x=6x = 6 are the same.

Since f(6)=f(6)f(6) = f(-6), we have

f(c)=f(6)f(6)6(6)=012=0.f'(c) = \frac{f(6) - f(-6)}{6 - (-6)} = \frac{0}{12} = 0.

Therefore, there must exist a point cc in the interval (6,6)(-6, 6) (where c<6|c| < 6) such that f(c)=0f'(c) = 0, as required.

Would you like more details on this solution or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What are the conditions of the Mean Value Theorem and how can they be verified?
  2. Can a function be continuous but not differentiable? Give examples.
  3. How does the Mean Value Theorem apply to functions that are not differentiable at certain points within the interval?
  4. If f(c)=0f'(c) = 0 at a certain point cc, does it necessarily mean that ff has a local maximum or minimum at cc?
  5. How is Rolle’s Theorem a special case of the Mean Value Theorem?

Tip: The Mean Value Theorem is a powerful tool for proving the existence of points with specific derivative properties in an interval.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differentiability
Mean Value Theorem

Formulas

f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a)

Theorems

Mean Value Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12