Question
Verify Lagrange's mean value theorem for the following function on the indicated intervals. find a point 'c' in the indicated interval as stated by the Lagrange's mean value theorem.
$\text{f}(\text{x})=\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}\text{ on }[-3,4]$

Answer

We have,

$\text{f}(\text{x})=\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}$

Here, f(x) will exist, if

$25-\text{x}^2\geq0$

$\Rightarrow\text{x}^2\leq25$

$\Rightarrow-5\leq\text{x}\leq5$

Since for each $\text{x}\in[-3,4],$ the function f(x) attains a unique definite value.

So, f(x) is continuous on [-3, 4]

Also, $\text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}}(-2\text{x})=\frac{-\text{x}}{\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}}$ exists for all $\text{x}\in(-3,4)$

So, f(x) is differentiable on (-3, 4).

Thus, both the conditions of Lagrange's theorem are satisfied.

Consequently, there exist some $\text{c}\in(-3,4)$ such that

$\text{f}'(\text{c})=\frac{\text{f}(4)-\text{f}(-3)}{4+3}=\frac{\text{f}(4)-\text{f}(-3)}{7}$

Now, $\text{f}(\text{x})=\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}$

$\text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{-\text{x}}{\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}},\text{f}(-3)=4,\text{f}(4)=3$

$\therefore\ \text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{\text{f}(4)-\text{f}(-3)}{4+3}$

$\Rightarrow\frac{-\text{x}}{\sqrt{25-\text{x}^2}}=\frac{3-4}{7}$

$\Rightarrow49\text{x}^2=25-\text{x}^2$

$\Rightarrow\text{x}=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt2}$

Thus, $\text{c}=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt2}\in(-3,4)$ such that $\text{f}'(\text{c})=\frac{\text{f}(4)-\text{f}(-3)}{4-(-3)}.$

Hence, Lagrange's mean value theorem is verified.

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