Verify Rolle’s theorem for each of the following functions on the indicated intervals :

f(x) = ex cos x on [– π/2, π/2]

First, let us write the conditions for the applicability of Rolle’s theorem:


For a Real valued function ‘f’:


a) The function ‘f’ needs to be continuous in the closed interval [a,b].


b) The function ‘f’ needs differentiable on the open interval (a,b).


c) f(a) = f(b)


Then there exists at least one c in the open interval (a,b) such that f’(c) = 0.


Given function is:


f(x) = excosx on


We know that exponential and cosine functions are continuous and differentiable on R.


Let’s find the values of the function at an extremum,








We got , so there exist a such that f’(c) = 0.


Let’s find the derivative of f(x)




f’(x) = ex( – sinx + cosx)


We have f’(c) = 0,


ec( – sinc + cosc) = 0


– sinc + cosc = 0







Rolle’s theorem is verified.


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