Math Problem Statement

Find a point c satisfying the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem (MVT) for the given function y(x) = sqrt(x) on the interval [25, 289]. Give an exact answer using symbolic notation and fractions where needed.

Solution

To solve the problem using the Mean Value Theorem (MVT) for the function y(x)=xy(x) = \sqrt{x} on the interval [25,289][25, 289], we follow these steps:


Mean Value Theorem Statement

The MVT states that for a function f(x)f(x) continuous on [a,b][a, b] and differentiable on (a,b)(a, b), there exists a point c(a,b)c \in (a, b) such that: f(c)=f(b)f(a)baf'(c) = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}

Here, f(x)=xf(x) = \sqrt{x}, a=25a = 25, and b=289b = 289.


Step 1: Compute the average rate of change

The average rate of change of f(x)f(x) on [25,289][25, 289] is: f(289)f(25)28925\frac{f(289) - f(25)}{289 - 25} Substitute the values: f(289)=289=17,f(25)=25=5f(289) = \sqrt{289} = 17, \quad f(25) = \sqrt{25} = 5 Average rate of change=17528925=12264=122\text{Average rate of change} = \frac{17 - 5}{289 - 25} = \frac{12}{264} = \frac{1}{22}


Step 2: Find f(x)f'(x)

The derivative of f(x)=xf(x) = \sqrt{x} is: f(x)=12xf'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}


Step 3: Set f(c)=122f'(c) = \frac{1}{22}

We need to solve: 12c=122\frac{1}{2\sqrt{c}} = \frac{1}{22} Multiply both sides by 2c2\sqrt{c}: 1=2c221 = \frac{2\sqrt{c}}{22} Simplify: c=11\sqrt{c} = 11 Square both sides: c=121c = 121


Final Answer

The point cc that satisfies the conclusion of the MVT is: c=121c = 121

Would you like further clarification or have any additional questions?


Related Questions:

  1. What is the geometric interpretation of the Mean Value Theorem?
  2. How would the conclusion change if the function was y(x)=x2y(x) = x^2 on the same interval?
  3. Why is differentiability required for applying the MVT?
  4. What would happen if the interval was changed to [25,400][25, 400]?
  5. Can you use the MVT to prove the inequality xy\sqrt{x} \leq \sqrt{y} for xyx \leq y?

Tip:

Always check both continuity and differentiability conditions before applying the Mean Value Theorem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Mean Value Theorem
Derivatives

Formulas

f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a)
f'(x) = 1 / (2 * sqrt(x))

Theorems

Mean Value Theorem (MVT)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or Early College