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.