Question Details

According to the Mean Value Theorem, for a continuous function f (x) in the interval [a,b], there exists a value , ξ in this interval such that

Options

A

f(ξ)(b-a)

B

f(b)(ξ-a)

C

f(a)(b-ξ)

D

0

Correct Answer :

f(ξ)(b-a)

Solution :

The correct option is f(ξ)(b-a).

Image Analysis:
The provided image displays the mathematical expression for a definite integral:
abf(x)dx=
where a is the lower limit of integration, b is the upper limit of integration, and f(x) is the integrand function.

Step-by-Step Explanation:
The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals (often called the First Mean Value Theorem for Integrals) states that if a function f(x) is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], there exists at least one value ξ in the interval [a, b] such that the definite integral of the function over the interval is equal to the value of the function at ξ multiplied by the length of the interval.

Mathematically, this is expressed as:
abf(x)dx=f(ξ)(b-a)

Derivation and Logic:
1. Since f(x) is continuous on the closed and bounded interval [a, b], by the Extreme Value Theorem, f(x) must attain its absolute minimum value m and absolute maximum value M on this interval:
mf(x)M
for all x in [a, b].

2. Integrating this inequality from a to b gives:
abmdxabf(x)dxabMdx

3. Evaluating the outer integrals:
m(b-a)abf(x)dxM(b-a)

4. Dividing the entire inequality by the length of the interval (b-a) (assuming b > a):
m1b-aabf(x)dxM

5. By the Intermediate Value Theorem, since f(x) is continuous, it must take on every value between its minimum m and maximum M. Therefore, there must exist some value ξ in the interval [a, b] such that:
f(ξ)=1b-aabf(x)dx

6. Multiplying by (b-a) yields the final relationship:
abf(x)dx=f(ξ)(b-a)

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