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.
$\text{f}(\text{x})=\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}\text{ on }[2,4]$

Answer

We have,

$\text{f}(\text{x})=\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}$

Here, f(x) will exist,

if

$\text{x}^2-4\geq0$

$\Rightarrow\text{x}\leq-2\text{ or }\text{x}\geq2$

Since, for each $\text{x}\in2,4,$ the function f(x) attains a unique definite value.

So, f(x) is continuous on 2, 4

Also,

$\text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}}(2\text{x})=\frac{\text{x}}{\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}}$

Exists for all $\text{x}\in2,4$

So, f(x) is differentiable on 2, 4.

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

Consequently, there exists some $\text{c}\in2,4$ such that

$\text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}}(2\text{x})=\frac{\text{x}}{\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}}$

Now,

$\text{f}(\text{x})=\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}$

$\text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}},\text{f}(4)=2\sqrt3,\text{f}(2)=0$

$\therefore\ \text{f}'(\text{x})=\frac{\text{f}(4)-\text{f}(2)}{4-2}$

$\Rightarrow\frac{\text{x}}{\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}}=\frac{2\sqrt3}{2}$

$\Rightarrow\frac{\text{x}}{\sqrt{\text{x}^2-4}}=\sqrt3$

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

$\Rightarrow\text{x}^2=3\text{x}^2-12$

$\Rightarrow\text{x}^2=6$

$\Rightarrow\text{x}=\pm\sqrt6$

Thus, $\text{c}=\sqrt6\in(2,4)$ such that $\text{f}'(\text{c})=\frac{\text{f}(4)-\text{f}(2)}{4-2}$

Hence, Lagrange's theorem is verified.

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