Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mean Value Theorem
The Mean Value Theorem (MVT) states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) where the derivative of the function at c equals the average rate of change of the function over [a, b]. This theorem is fundamental in connecting the behavior of a function to its derivative.
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Average Rate of Change
The average rate of change of a function f over an interval [a, b] is calculated as (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a). This value represents the slope of the secant line connecting the points (a, f(a)) and (b, f(b)). Understanding this concept is crucial for applying the Mean Value Theorem, as it provides the value that the derivative must equal at some point within the interval.
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Tangent Line and Derivative
The slope of the tangent line to a function at a given point is represented by the derivative of the function at that point. This slope indicates the instantaneous rate of change of the function. In the context of the Mean Value Theorem, finding points where the tangent line's slope equals the average rate of change is essential for identifying the specific points c where the theorem holds true.
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