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

f(x) = sin x + cos x on [0, 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) = sinx + cosx on


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


Let’s the value of function f at extremums:


f(0) = sin(0) + cos(0)


f(0) = 0 + 1


f(0) = 1





We have got . So, there exists a cϵ such that f’(c) = 0.


Let’s find the derivative of the function ‘f’.



f’(x) = cosx – sinx


We have f’(c) = 0


cosc – sinc = 0







Rolle’s theorem is verified.


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