Mean value theorem worksheet
Draw the straight line from one end of the curve to the other. Somewhere between the ends the curve runs parallel to it, and the theorem says so for every function that is smooth enough.
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Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name The Mean Value TheoremDate Period Find the value of c the theorem promises for each function.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name The Mean Value TheoremAnswer keyVersion 1Date Period Find the value of c the theorem promises for each function.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
How to do these
Find the value of for on
- The line across goes from 0 to 16 over a width of 4, so its slope is 4.
- The derivative is 2x, which is 4 at x equals 2.
- So c is 2, which is the midpoint, as it always is for a parabola.
The answer is .
Where students go wrong
Setting the derivative to zero. That is what Rolle asks for, and Rolle is the special case where the line across happens to be flat; in general the line has a slope and the derivative has to match it.
Also called MVT, find c or average rate of change equals instantaneous.