Theorems:

Intermediate Value Theorem:

Suppose that f is continuous on the closed interval (a, b) and w is any number between f
(a) and f (b). Then, there is a number c between a and b, for which f(c) = w
Example: For the function f(x) = x2 on the interval (-1, 2), explain why there must be a
value of c, such that f(c) = 3
1. Function is continuous
2. Substitute end points of the intervals
a. f (-1) = 1
b. f (2) = 4
3. Conclude whether or not the there is a value in between the two endpoints
a. By the IVT there is a value C, where f(c) = 3
Mean Value Theorem:
Suppose that f is continuous on the interval (a, b) and differential on the interval (a, b).
Then there exists a number cꜪ(a, b) such that:

𝑓(𝑏)−𝑓(𝑎)
f’(c) =
𝑏−𝑎
Example: For the function f (x) = 2x2 on the interval (-1, 2), explain why there must be a
value of c, such that f ’(c) = 2

1. f (x) is continuous, and differentiable

2. Sub in upper and lower bounds
a. f(-1) = 2
b. f(2) = 8
3. Complete algebra-1 slope formula
𝑓(2)−𝑓(−1) 8−2
a. f ‘(c) = = 2−1 = 2
2−(−1)
4. Explain
a. By the MVT there is a value c where f ‘ (c) = 2
5. What is the value of C?
a. Take derivative of f(x)
i. f ‘(x) = 4x
b. Set equal to slope
i. 4x = 2
c. When f ‘ (1/2) = 2
i. x = ½
Extreme Value Theorem:
A continuous function f defined on a closed, bound interval (a, b) contains both an
absolute maximum and an absolute minimum on that interval.
Example: For the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)2 on the interval (0, 3), what does the extreme
value theorem guarantee?
1. Is the function continuous?
a. Yes
2. By the EVT, 𝑓(𝑥) has an absolute min and max
3. Where are they located? *candidates test*
a. Take the derivative of the original function
i. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2(𝑥 − 1) ∗ 1
b. Set it equal to zero
i. 0 = 2𝑥 − 2
ii. 2 = 2𝑥
iii. 1 = 𝑥
c. Use upper and lower bounds, and critical point
i. Plug x-values into the original function
x y
0 1
1 0
3 4
ii. Min at x = 1
iii. Max at x = 3
d. What are the values of the min and max?
i. Min value of 0
ii. Max value of 4