Verify the Rolle’s theorem for each of the functions
f(x) = x(x + 3)e-x/2 in [–3, 0].
Given: f(x) = x(x + 3)e-x/2
Now, we have to show that f(x) verify the Rolle’s Theorem
First of all, Conditions of Rolle’s theorem are:
a) f(x) is continuous at (a,b)
b) f(x) is derivable at (a,b)
c) f(a) = f(b)
If all three conditions are satisfied then there exist some ‘c’ in (a,b) such that f’(c) = 0
Condition 1:
Since, f(x) is multiplication of algebra and exponential function and is defined everywhere in its domain.
is continuous at x ∈ [-3,0]
Hence, condition 1 is satisfied.
Condition 2:
On differentiating f(x) with respect to x, we get
[by product rule]
⇒ f(x) is differentiable at [-3,0]
Hence, condition 2 is satisfied.
Condition 3:
= [9 – 9]e3/2
= 0
= 0
Hence, f(-3) = f(0)
Hence, condition 3 is also satisfied.
Now, let us show that c ∈ (0,1) such that f’(c) = 0
On differentiating above with respect to x, we get
Put x = c in above equation, we get
∵, all the three conditions of Rolle’s theorem are satisfied
f’(c) = 0
⇒ (c – 3)(c + 2) = 0
⇒ c – 3 = 0 or c + 2 = 0
⇒ c = 3 or c = -2
So, value of c = -2, 3
c = -2 ∈ (-3, 0) but c = 3 ∉ (-3, 0)
∴ c = -2
Thus, Rolle’s theorem is verified.