Chapter 4: Problem 18
Determine whether Rolle's Theorem applies to the following functions on the given interval. If so, find the point(s) guaranteed to exist by Rolle's Theorem. $$h(x)=e^{-x^{2}} ;[-a, a],\( where \)a>0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: Yes, Rolle's Theorem applies to the function \(h(x) = e^{-x^2}\) on the interval \([-a, a]\). The point c guaranteed by the theorem is \(c = 0\).
Step by step solution
01
Check Continuity on [a, b]
The given function is $$h(x) = e^{-x^2}.$$Since the exponential function is continuous everywhere on its domain, and the exponent \(-x^2\) itself is a continuous function, their composition is also continuous everywhere. Therefore, the function \(h(x)\) is continuous on the closed interval \([-a, a].\)
02
Check Differentiability on (a, b)
To check for differentiability on the open interval \((-a, a),\) we first need to find the first derivative of the function \(h(x).\) Using the chain rule, we get:
$$h'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} e^{-x^2} = -2x \cdot e^{-x^2}.$$
The derivative \(h'(x) = -2x \cdot e^{-x^2}\) is a product of a polynomial function and an exponential function, which are both continuous on their domains. Therefore, the derivative is also continuous, and the function is differentiable on the open interval \((-a, a).\)
03
Check if h(a) = h(b)
Our interval is \([-a, a].\) We must check if \(h(-a) = h(a).\) Since the exponent in \(h(x)\) is an even number, we get \(h(-a) = e^{-(-a)^2} = e^{-a^2}\) and \(h(a) = e^{-a^2}.\) Thus, \(h(-a) = h(a).\)
04
Apply Rolle's Theorem and Find Point(s) c
Since the function \(h(x) = e^{-x^2}\) is continuous on the closed interval \([-a, a],\) differentiable on the open interval \((-a, a),\) and \(h(-a) = h(a),\) Rolle's Theorem applies to this function and interval. Therefore, there exists at least one point c ∈ \((-a, a)\) such that \(h'(c) = 0.\) To find the point(s) c, we set \(h'(x) = 0\) and solve for x:
$$-2x \cdot e^{-x^2} = 0.$$
In this equation, \(e^{-x^2}\) is nonzero for all x. So, to make the equation true, the term \(-2x\) must be equal to 0, which gives us \(x = 0.\) Consequently, there is exactly one point guaranteed by Rolle's Theorem: \(c = 0.\)
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies how things change. It provides us tools to analyze the behavior of functions and their rates of change.
- In calculus, we often study the properties of functions, such as continuity and differentiability.
- Calculus is fundamental for understanding various scientific and engineering concepts, allowing us to solve problems involving changing systems.
Continuity
In mathematics, a function is considered continuous if there are no breaks, holes, or gaps in its graph for a given interval. Continuity is a crucial aspect when applying mathematical theorems like Rolle's Theorem.
To determine if a function is continuous:
To determine if a function is continuous:
- Check that the function is well-defined for every point in the interval.
- Ensure that there are no abrupt changes in value within the interval.
Differentiability
Differentiability refers to a function's ability to have a derivative, meaning it's smooth enough to have a tangent at every point in an interval. A function being differentiable on an interval is crucial for Rolle's Theorem.
To determine differentiability:
To determine differentiability:
- Find the derivative of the function. If the derivative is defined, the function is likely differentiable.
- Check for smoothness, ensuring no sharp corners or cusps in the interval.
First Derivative
The first derivative of a function provides the rate of change of the function's value concerning changes in the independent variable, usually x. It is a fundamental tool in calculus that helps identify critical points where the function might be increasing, decreasing, or have horizontal tangents.
For the function \[h(x) = e^{-x^2}\], its first derivative is \[h'(x) = -2x \, e^{-x^2}\]. It reflects how the function changes as x changes.
For the function \[h(x) = e^{-x^2}\], its first derivative is \[h'(x) = -2x \, e^{-x^2}\]. It reflects how the function changes as x changes.
- If the first derivative is zero at a point, the function has a horizontal tangent at that point.
- The existence of such a point is central to Rolle's Theorem, which assures at least one such critical point exists if the theorem's conditions are met.