# Does the function satisfy the hypothesis of the Mean Value Theorem on the given interval? f(x) = ln x, [1, 4] Does the function satisfy the hypothesis of the Mean Value Theorem on the given interval? f(x) = ln x, [1, 4]. If it satisfies the hypotheses, find all numbers c that satisfy the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem.

## Expert Answers

The interval in question is `[a,b] = [1,4]`

The mean value theorem says that if a function is continuous on `[a,b]` (closed interval) and differentiable on `(a,b)` (open interval) then there is a point `c` in `(a,b)` such that

`f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a))/(b-a)`

Now, we want `f'(c) = (ln(b) -ln(a))/(b-a) = ln(b/a)/(b-a) = ln(4)/3 = ln(4^(1/3))`

Using `ln(b) - ln(a) = ln(b/a)`  and `rlns = ln(s^r)`

We have `f(x) = ln x`

So we want `c` such that `lnc = ln(4^(1/3))`

This implies `c = 4^(1/3) = 1.587`

Yes, c = 1.587

Approved by eNotes Editorial Team

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