Application of Derivatives

Root theory

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 Road Map

Illustrations on Equation based Questions

Illustrations on Root Theory

Root Theory

Illustrations on Rolle’s Theorem

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 Rolle’s Theorem (recap)
Let 𝑓 be a real – valued function defined on the closed interval
𝑌 [𝑎, 𝑏] such that:
𝑓′ 𝑐 = 0
(i) 𝑓 𝑥 is continuous in the closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏].

(ii) 𝑓 𝑥 is differentiable in the open interval 𝑎, 𝑏 .

𝑓(𝑎)
(iii) 𝑓 𝑎 = 𝑓(𝑏)
𝑋
𝑂 𝑎 𝑐 𝑏 Then there exists at least one 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏), such that
𝑓′ 𝑐 = 0 .
Geometrically, there will be at least one 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏), where tangent will be parallel
to X−axis.
Algebraic interpretation: Between any two real roots of a polynomial equation, there
exists at least one root of its derivative.
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 Illustration 1 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 <
1
The function 𝑓 is defined in 0, 1 as follows : 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
1
2 for ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
2
Show that 𝑓 𝑥 does not satisfy conditions of Rolle’s theorem, yet 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0 for
many points in 0, 1 .
1
Solution: At 𝑥 =
2
1
L.H.L = lim − 𝑓 𝑥 = lim+ 𝑓 − ℎ = lim 1 = 1
𝑥→1/2 ℎ→0 2 ℎ→0
1
R.H.L = lim + 𝑓 𝑥 = lim+ 𝑓 + ℎ = lim 2 = 2 ∴ L.H.L ≠ R.H.L
𝑥→1/2 ℎ→0 2 ℎ→0
1 1
⇒ 𝑓 is discontinuous at 𝑥 = ∴ It is not differentiable at 𝑥 = .
2 2
Hence, 𝑓 𝑥 does not satisfy any of the conditions of Rolle’s theorem in 0, 1 .
1
0 , 0≤𝑥≤
But 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0 in 0, 1 ∵ 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 1
2

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0 , <𝑥≤1
2
 Rolle’s Theorem

Roots Theory
(𝑖) Roots are value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓 𝑥 = 0
Example:
𝑓 2.5 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2.5 is the root of 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓′ 2.5 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2.5 is the root of 𝑓′(𝑥)
𝑓′′ 2.5 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2.5 is the root of 𝑓′′(𝑥)
𝑖𝑖 If 𝑓 ′ 𝑎 = 0
⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑎 is the root of 𝑓 ′ 𝑥
⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑎 is the root of derivative of 𝑓 𝑥
⇒ At 𝑥 = 𝑎 , 𝑓 𝑥 has tangent parallel to 𝑋 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
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 Let us consider the following two functions (continuous and differentiable)
(𝑖) (𝑖𝑖)

6 roots of 𝑓(𝑥) 5 roots of 𝑓′(𝑥) 5 roots of 𝑓(𝑥) 4 roots of 𝑓′(𝑥)

Observation:

If 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous and differentiable between two consecutive roots.

By Rolle’s theorem 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0, at least once between two consecutive roots
This observation can be generalized as:
Between 𝑛 real roots of 𝑓(𝑥) there must be at least (𝑛 − 1) real roots of 𝑓′(𝑥).
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This result is valid for higher order derivative also.
Let us consider a function y = 𝑓(𝑥), as shown in the figure.

Two Real Roots

Here, number of real roots of 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 are 2
And number of imaginary roots of 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 are 4
Hence , total roots of 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 are 4 + 2 = 6
And total roots of 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 0 are 5
We can apply this concept in higher order derivative.
Let us consider a function y = 𝑓(𝑥), as shown in the figure.

Here , total roots of 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 are 5

Total roots of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 are 4
And total roots of 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) = 0 are 3
𝑓′′(𝑥) have roots at points, where concavity changes.
 Illustration IIT JEE 2006
If 𝑓(𝑥) is twice differentiable function such that 𝑓 𝑎 = 0, 𝑓 𝑏 = 2,
𝑓 𝑐 = −1, 𝑓 𝑑 = 2, 𝑓 𝑒 = 0 , where 𝑎 < 𝑏 < 𝑐 < 𝑑 < 𝑒, then the
minimum number of zeros of 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓′(𝑥) 2 + 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 . 𝑓 𝑥 in the interval
[𝑎, 𝑒] is :
Solution:
Given, 𝑓 𝑏 = 2 and 𝑓 𝑐 = −1 𝑓 ′ 𝑐1 = 0 𝑓 ′ 𝑐2 = 0
Here, sign of 𝑓(𝑥) changes.
So at least one zeros of 𝑓 𝑥 must lie 𝑎 𝑏 𝛼 𝑐 𝛽 𝑑 𝑒
between 𝑏 and 𝑐. 𝑓 ′ 𝑐3 = 0
Similarly, at least one zeros of 𝑓 𝑥 must lie between 𝑐
and d as shown in the figure.
Hence, minimum number of zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) is 4.
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 If 𝑓 𝑎 = 𝑓 𝑏 = 0 where 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous and differentiable, then there
will exist at least one 𝑐 for which 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0. (Rolle’s theorem)
Hence minimum number of zeros of 𝑓′(𝑥) is 3

2
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓′(𝑥) + 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 . 𝑓 𝑥 . We can see that 𝑔 𝑥 is derivative of 𝑓 𝑥 . 𝑓′(𝑥)

Let ℎ 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 . 𝑓′(𝑥) → 7 zeros (∵ 𝑓(𝑥) has 4 zeros and 𝑓′(𝑥) has 3 zeros )
2
ℎ′ 𝑥 = 𝑓′(𝑥) + 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 . 𝑓 𝑥

ℎ′ 𝑥 = 𝑔 𝑥

∵ ℎ(𝑥) has 7 zeros ⇒ Minimum Number of zeros of ℎ′(𝑥) is 6

⇒ Minimum Number of zeros of 𝑔(𝑥) is 6

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 Illustration
If 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔 𝑥 are two differentiable function in 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1 such that
𝑓 0 = 2 , 𝑔 0 = 0 , 𝑓 1 = 6 , 𝑔 1 = 2 then in 0 , 1

𝐴. 𝑓′ 𝑥 =0 ∀ 𝑥 𝐵. 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑔′ 𝑥 for at least one 𝑥

𝐶. 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑔′ 𝑥 for at most one 𝑥 𝐷. None of These

Solution:

Let us consider a function ℎ 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 − 2𝑔 𝑥 in 0 , 1 (By inspecting options)

We know, difference of two differentiable functions gives a differentiable function .
⇒ ℎ 𝑥 is differentiable in (0, 1)
ℎ 0 = 𝑓 0 − 2𝑔 0 = 2 − 2 × 0 = 2 ⇒ ℎ 0 = 2
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 ℎ 1 = 𝑓 1 − 2𝑔 1 = 6 − 2 × 2 = 2
∴ℎ 0 =𝑓 1
Hence, all the three conditions of Rolle’s theorem is satisfied in [0, 1]

So, in 𝑥 ∈ 0, 1 there exist at least one 𝑥 where ℎ′ 𝑥 = 0

⇒ 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 − 2𝑔′ 𝑥 = 0

⇒ 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑔′ 𝑥

So, option (𝐵) is the correct answer.

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 Illustration
If 𝑓 be a continuous function on 0,1 , differentiable in (0,1) such that
𝑓 1 = 0 , then there exists some 𝑐 ∈ 0,1 , such that :
𝑎. 𝑐𝑓 ′ (𝑐) − 𝑓 𝑐 = 0 𝑏. 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 + 𝑐𝑓 𝑐 = 0

𝑐. 𝑑. 𝑐𝑓 ′ 𝑐 + 𝑓 𝑐 = 0
𝑓′ 𝑐 − 𝑐𝑓 𝑐 = 0
Solution: Let 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓(𝑥) ( By inspecting the options)

Then 𝑔 𝑥 is continuous in [0,1] and differentiable in 0,1 .

Also, 𝑔 0 = 𝑔 1 = 0
So, by Rolle’s theorem , 𝑔′ 𝑐 = 0 for some 𝑐 in (0, 1)
⇒ 𝑐𝑓 ′ 𝑐 + 𝑓 𝑐 = 0 (∵ 𝑔′ 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓 ′ 𝑥 + 𝑓 𝑥 )
So, option (𝑑) is the correct answer.
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 Illustration
If 𝑎 , 𝑏 are two roots of polynomial 𝑃 𝑥 = 0, then show that there
exists at least one root 𝐶 ∈ 𝑎 , 𝑏 where 𝑃′ 𝐶 + 100𝑃 𝐶 = 0.
Solution: 𝑃′ 𝑥 + 100𝑃 𝑥 = 0
We know, when given expression is of the type 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 + 𝑔′ 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑓 𝑥
Then, multiply given expression by 𝑒 𝑔 𝑥

𝑒100𝑥 ⋅ 𝑃′ 𝑥 + 100𝑒100𝑥 ⋅ 𝑃 𝑥 = 0
𝑑
⇒ 𝑃 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑒 100𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑥

Let 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑃 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑒 100𝑥
We can see, 𝑔(𝑥) is product of two differentiable functions
𝑔(𝑥) is continuous and differentiable in (𝑎, 𝑏)
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 𝑎 , 𝑏 are roots of 𝑃 𝑥 ∴ 𝑃 𝑎 = 𝑃 𝑏 = 0
𝑃 𝑎 = 0 ⇒ 𝑔 𝑎 = 𝑃 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑒 100𝑎 = 0
𝑃 𝑎 = 0 ⇒ 𝑔 𝑎 = 𝑃 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑒 100𝑎 = 0

𝑃 𝑏 = 0 ⇒ 𝑔 𝑏 = 𝑃 𝑏 ⋅ 𝑒 100𝑏 = 0

So, by Rolle’s theorem,

⇒ 𝑔′ 𝑐 = 0 in for some 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎 , 𝑏)
⇒ 𝑒 100𝑐 ⋅ 𝑃′ 𝑐 + 100𝑒 100𝑐 ⋅ 𝑃 𝑐 = 0
⇒ 𝑃′ 𝐶 + 100𝑃 𝐶 = 0

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 Illustration
Which of the following is/are correct ?
𝑎. Between any two real roots of 𝑒 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one real root of
tan 𝑥 = 1
𝑏. Between any two real roots of 𝑒 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one real root of
tan 𝑥 = −1
𝑐. Between any two real roots of 𝑒 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one real root of
𝑒 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = 1
𝑑. Between any two real roots of 𝑒 𝑥 sin 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one real root of
𝑒 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 1
Solution:
We know, If 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 has 2 real roots then 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0 has at least one real root
(a) 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ cos 𝑥 = 1 ⇒ 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ − sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑒 𝑥 = 0
⇒ 𝑒 𝑥 (− sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥) = 0
⇒ cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 0 ⇒ tan 𝑥 = 1
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 Hence, differentiation of 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ cos 𝑥 = 1 is tan 𝑥 = 1
∴ Between any two roots of 𝑒 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one root of
tan 𝑥 = 1
(b) 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ sin 𝑥 = 1 ⇒ 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑒 𝑥 = 0
⇒ 𝑒 𝑥 (cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥) = 0
⇒ cos 𝑥 = − sin 𝑥 ⇒ tan 𝑥 = −1
Hence, differentiation of 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ sin 𝑥 = 1 is tan 𝑥 = −1
∴ Between any two roots of 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ sin 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one root of
tan 𝑥 = −1
1
(c) 𝑒𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 1 ⇒ cos 𝑥 = ⇒ cos 𝑥 = 𝑒 −𝑥
𝑒𝑥
⇒ sin 𝑥 = 𝑒 −𝑥 (Differentiating both the sides)
1
⇒ sin 𝑥 = ⇒ 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ sin 𝑥 = 1
© 2021, BYJU'S. All rights reserved 𝑒𝑥
 Hence, differentiation of 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ cos 𝑥 = 1 is 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ sin 𝑥 = 1
∴ Between any two roots of 𝑒 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one root of 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅
sin 𝑥 = 1
𝑥 1
(d) 𝑒 sin 𝑥 = 1 ⇒ sin 𝑥 = ⇒ sin 𝑥 = 𝑒 −𝑥
𝑒𝑥
⇒ cos 𝑥 = −𝑒 −𝑥 (Differentiating both the sides)
1
⇒ cos 𝑥 = − 𝑥
𝑒
⇒ 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ cos 𝑥 = −1
Hence, 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ cos 𝑥 = 1 is not the differentiation of 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ sin 𝑥 = 1. So, we cannot
comment anything about it.
So, option 𝑎 , 𝑏 , 𝑐 are the correct answers.

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 Rolle’s Theorem
Equations Based Questions
There are majorly three types of equation based question based on Rolle’s
theorem. The types and processes to deal them are briefed in the table below:

Condition + Equation 𝑎 , 𝑏 Equation + Equation 𝑎 , 𝑏 Only one equation 𝑎 , 𝑏

Let 𝑓 𝑥 = ‫ ׬‬equation Identify which equation 𝑓 𝑥 = ‫ ׬‬equation

(without taking c) is 𝑓 𝑥 & which one is
𝑓′(𝑥) Apply roots theory
Apply roots theory
on 𝑓(𝑥) Apply roots theory
 Illustration
If 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 0 then show that 3𝑎𝑥 2 + 2𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 has at least one root in
[0,1] .
Solution:

Let a function g(𝑥) = 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑎𝑥 2 + 2𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

∴ 𝑓 𝑥 = න 3𝑎𝑥 2 + 2𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑑𝑥
𝑥3 𝑥2
⇒ 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑎 ⋅ + 2𝑏 ⋅ + 𝑐𝑥
3 2

⇒ 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 Is differentiable function (polynomial function).

𝑓 0 =0 So 𝑥 = 0 & 𝑥 = 1 are roots of 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑓 1 =𝑎+𝑏+𝑐 =0 ⇒ Between 𝑥 = 0 & 𝑥 = 1 ∃ at least

one root of 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0
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 Illustration
If 2𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 6𝑐 = 0, 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ then show that the equation
𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 has at least one root in between 0 and 1
Solution:
Let a function g(𝑥) = 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

∴ 𝑓 𝑥 = න 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑑𝑥
𝑎𝑥 3 𝑏𝑥 2
⇒𝑓 𝑥 = + + 𝑐𝑥 Is differentiable function (polynomial function).
3 2

𝑓 0 =0 So 𝑥 = 0 & 𝑥 = 1 are roots of 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑎 𝑏 2𝑎+3𝑏+6𝑐
⇒ Between 𝑥 = 0 & 𝑥 = 1 ∃ at least
𝑓 1 = + +𝑐 = =0 one root of 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0
3 2 6

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 Summary Sheet

• Let 𝑓 be a real – valued function defined on the closed interval

[𝑎, 𝑏] such that:
(i) 𝑓 𝑥 is continuous in the closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏].
(ii) 𝑓 𝑥 is differentiable in the open interval 𝑎, 𝑏 .
(iii) 𝑓 𝑎 = 𝑓(𝑏)
Then there exists at least one 𝑐 ∈ (𝑎, 𝑏), such that
𝑓′ 𝑐 = 0 .
• Between 𝑛 real roots of 𝑓(𝑥) there must be at least (𝑛 − 1) real
roots of 𝑓′(𝑥).

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