
Content Writer
Rolle's Theorem is the special case of the mean-value Theorem of differential calculus. The Theorem states that if a function f is continuous on the closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b) in a way that f(a) = f(b).
- Rolle's Theorem was proved by the French mathematician Michel Rolle in 1691.
- It is used to find the mean values of different functions.
- The Theorem achieve equal values at two distant points.
- It must have one stationary point.
- The Theorem is used for proving Taylor's Theorem.
- Rolle's Theorem is also known as the Mean Value Theorem or First Mean Value Theorem.
- The method is used to determine the slope of the tangent line to the graph.
- It determines the projectile trajectory's maximum height.
Read More: Continuity and Differentiability
Key Terms: Rolle's Theorem, Mean Value Theorem, Differential Calculus, Lagrange's Mean Value Theorem, Slope, Tangent, Function, Interval, Graph, Polynomial
What is Rolle’s Theorem?
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Rolle's Theorem is an exceptional case of the mean value theorem. The theorem is used to determine the value of profit and create a geometrical interpretation of a company's annual performance. Rolle's Theorem states that if a function f within a closed interval (a,b) is defined to satisfy the following conditions stated below.
- In the closed interval (a,b), the function f must be continuous.
- In the open interval (a,b), the function f must be differentiable.
- If f (a) = f (b), then at least one value of x exists, which lies between a and b, i.e. a, and the value of c is calculated by f '(c) = 0.
- It is used in the construction of elliptical domes.
If a function becomes continuous in the closed interval (a,b) and differentiable within the open interval (a,b), then a point x = c must exist between (a,b) in such a way that f' (c) = 0.
Solved Examples on Rolle’s TheoremExample 1: Find whether Rolle’s theorem is applicable or not for the function y = x2 + 2, between a = –2 and b = 2. Ans: According to Rolle’s theorem, the function y = x2 + 2 is continuous and differentiable within (–2,2). The given function, F(x) = x2 + 2 Putting the value of -2 we get, F(−2) = −22 + 2 = 4 + 2 = 6 Putting the value of 2 we get, F(2) = 22 + 2 = 4 + 2= 6 Thus, f(–2) = f(2) = 6 So, from the equation, it is clear that the value of f(x) at –2 and 2 points coincide with each other. Now, f'(x) = 2x According to Rolle’s theorem, a point c ∈ –2,2 is defined in such a way that f′(c) = 0. At point c = 0, f′(c) = 0, here c = 0 exists between –2,2. So, the theorem is verified. Example 2: Discuss the conditions for the application of Rolle’s Theorem for the following function F(x) = x2/3 on (−1,1) Ans: F(x) = x2/3 f ’(x) = 2/3x1/3 f ’ (0) = 2 /3(0)1/3 f ’(0) = ∞ So f ‘(x) does not exist at x=o and is not differentiable between (-1, 1) So Rolle’s Theorem is not applicable on F(x) in (−1,1). Example 3: Apply Rolle’s Theorem If (x) = x2-4x -3 in the interval of 1 and 4 Ans: f (x) = x2-4x-3, the given variable is continuous in the interval (1,4) and derivable (1,4). The polynomial satisfies all the conditions of Rolle’s Theorem. The f ’(x) = 2x-4 f ’(x) = 2c-4 f (4) = 16-16-3 = -3 f (1) = 1-4-3 = -6 Now, f ’(x) = 2c-4 2c-4 = 0 C= 2 As, 2€ (1, 4) Rolle’s Theorem is applicable. Read More: Differentiation and Integration Formula Example 4: Verify Rolle’s Theorem for the following function f (x) = x2+2x-8 in the interval of [-4,2]. Ans: Rolle’s Theorem is satisfied if it satisfied the three conditions: 1) f (x) = x2+2x-8 must be continuous at (-4,2) 2) f (x) = x2+2x-8 must be differentiable at (-4,2) 3) f(-4)= f(2) f (x) = x2+2x-8 is a polynomial and continuous for all real values of x. So, f (x) = x2+2x-8 is continuous at (-4,2). For all real values of x, f (x) = x2+2x-8 must be differentiable at (-4,2). Now, f(-4)= (-4)2 +2(-4) -8 =0 f (2)= (2)2+2(2) -8 =0 Hence, f(-4)= f (2) Now, f (x) = x2+2x-8 f ‘(x) = 2x+2 f ‘(c) = 2c+2 Though all three conditions are satisfied, then f ‘(c)=0 2c+2=0 C= -1 The value of c falls between (-4,2). Therefore Rolle’s Theorem is satisfied between the given limit. |

Rolle’s Theorem
Read More:
Discover about the Chapter video:
Continuity and Differentiability Detailed Video Explanation:
Read more: Mean value theorem formula
Geometric Interpretation of Rolle’s Theorem
[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Geometric Interpretation of Rolle’s Theorem
In this represented graph, let's assume y = f(x) is plotted in the given way. The curve y = f(x) is continuous between x =a and x = b intervals. You can draw equal tangents and ordinates corresponding to the abscissa.
- At least one tangent to the curve exists parallel to the x-axis.
- Sometimes, the converse of Rolle's theorem is not always true.
- The reason is that more than one value of x is possible.
- In this case, the theorem holds good, but there is a definite chance of getting such values.
- For some functions, let f (−1) = f (1), then there is no c value between −1 and 1, and f ′(c) is zero.
- This means the function is not continuous and differentiable at x = 0.
If f (x) is defined as a polynomial function of x, there exist two roots of the equation f(x) = 0, which are x =a and x = b, so at least one root of the equation f '(x) = 0 lying between a and b.
Read More: Linear Approximation Formula
Statement of Rolle’s Theorem
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
The statement of Rolle’s theorem is as follows:
- Let f: (a,b) be continuous and differentiable on (a,b), such that f(a) = f(b).
- Here, a and b are real numbers.
- So, there exists c value between (a,b) in such a manner that f′(c) = 0.
Read More: Linear Regression Formula
Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Lagrange’s mean value theorem states that if a function f is defined on the closed interval [a, b], the following conditions must be satisfied:
- The function f is continuous on the closed interval [a, b]
- The function f is differentiable on the open interval (a, b)
- Then, there will be a value x = c in such a way that
f’(c) = [f(b) - f(a)]/ (b - a)
- This theorem is also known as the first mean value theorem or Lagrange’s mean value theorem.
Read More: First Order Differential Equation
Solved Example of Lagrange’s Mean Value TheoremExamples: Verify mean value theorem for the function: f(x) = x2 - 4x - 3 in the interval [a, b], where a = 1, b = 4. Ans. Given: f(x) = x2 - 4x - 3 and a = 1, b = 4 f’(x) = 2x - 4 f(a) = f(1) = (1)2 - 4(1) - 3 = 1 - 4 - 3 = -6 f(b) = f(4) = (4)2 - 4(4) - 3 = -3 Now, [f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a) = (-3 + 6)/ (4 - 1) = 3/3 = 1 According to the mean value theorem statement, there exists a point c ∈ (1, 4) such that f’(c) = [f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a) or, f’(c) = 1 2c - 4 = 1 2c = 5 C = 5/2 ∈ (1, 4) f’(c) = 2(5/2) - 4 = 5 - 4 = 1 Read Also: Integers As Exponents |
Geometrical Interpretation of Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem
[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Geometrical Interpretation of Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem
In the graph represented above, the curve y = f(x) is continuous from x = a and x = b. It is differentiable within the closed interval [a, b]. This implies that in Lagrange’s mean value theorem, for any function that is continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), then there will exist some c in interval (a,b) such that the secant that joins the endpoints of the interval [a, b] is parallel to the tangent at c.
f’ (c) = [f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a)
Read More: Continuity Theorem
The video below explains this:
Mean Value Theorem Detailed Video Explanation:
Things to Remember
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
- Rolle’s theorem is used to find the mean value of two different functions.
- In the closed interval (a,b), the function f must be continuous.
- In the open interval (a,b), the function f must be differentiable.
- If f (a) = f (b), then at least one value of x exists, which lies between a and b, i.e. a, and the value of c is calculated by f‘(c) = 0.
- Rolle’s theorem is used to determine the government statistics on COVID-19.
- In this, the value of a and b lies between a < c < b.
Read More:
Sample Questions
Ques. A function is given by y= x3 – 4x. Find a value of the function which satisfies Rolle’s Theorem in the interval of (-2,2). (2 marks)
Ans. y= x3 – 4x the function is continuous and differentiable in the given interval.
F(2)= f(-2)
F’(x)= 3x2- 4
F’(x)=0
3x2- 4=0
X= ± 2Ö3/ 3
Therefore, the two values of x satisfy Rolle’s Theorem.
Ques. If the value of c is prescribed in Rolle’s theorem for the function f(x) = 2x (x - 3)n on the interval [0, 2√3] is ¾, find the value of n (a positive integer). (3 marks)
Ans. f(x) = 2x (x - 3)n
Differentiating the above mentioned function with respect to ‘x’
f’(x) = 2[xn (x - 3)n-1 + (x - 3)n ]
f’(x) = 2(x - 3)n [ xn/(x-3) + 1]
f’(c) = 2(c - 3)n [ cn/(c-3) + 1]
f’( ¾) = 0
2 - (9/4)n [ -n/3 + 1] = 0
-n/3 + 1 = 0
(-n + 3)/ 3 = 0
-n + 3 = 0
-n = -3
n = 3
Therefore, the required value of ‘n’ is 3.
Ques. The value of c in the Rolle’s theorem for the function f(x) = x3 - 3x in the interval [0, √3] will be:
(a) 1
(b) -1
(c) 3/2
(d) ¹⁄³ (3 marks)
Ans. The option a) is the correct answer
Explanation: given, f(x) = x3 - 3x
The above mentioned polynomial function is continuous and derivable in R.
Therefore, the function is continuous on [0, √3] and differentiable on [0, √3]
Differentiating the function with respect to x,
f(x) = x3 - 3x
f’(x) = 3x2 - 3
Therefore, f’(c) = 3c2 - 3
f’(c) = 0
3c2 - 3 = 0
C2 - 1 = 0
C2 = 1
C = ± 1
Ques. Verify the Rolle’s theorem for each of the following functions on the indicated intervals: f(x) = sin 3x on (0, π). (5 marks)
Ans. The conditions for the applicability of Rolle’s theorem,
i) In the closed interval (a,b) the function f must be continuous.
ii) In the open interval (a,b) the function f must be differentiable
iii) If f (a) = f (b), then at least one value of x exists which lies between a and b i.e. a, and the value of c is calculated by f‘(c) = 0.
Now the given function is f(x) = sin 3x on (0, π)
⇒ f(0) = sin 3(0)
⇒ f(0) = sin(0)
⇒ f(0) = 0
⇒ f(π) = sin 3π
⇒ f(π) = sin (3π)
⇒ f(π) = 0
We got f(0) = f(π), so there exist a c π (0, π) such that f’(c) = 0
Now, the derivative of f(x)
⇒ f’(x) = d(sin 3x)/ dx
⇒ f’(x) = cos 3x d(3x)/ dx
⇒ f’(x) = 3 cos3x
We have f’(c) = 0
⇒ 3 cos3c = 0
⇒ 3c = π/2
⇒ c = π/6 π (0, π)
Thus, Rolle’s theorem is verified.
Ques. Verify mean value theorem for the function: f(x) = x2 - 4x - 3 in the interval [a, b], where a = 2, b = 3. (5 marks)
Ans. Given: f(x) = x2 - 4x - 3 and a = 2, b = 3
f’(x) = 2x - 4
f(a) = f(2) = (2)2 - 4(2) - 3 = 4 - 8 - 3 = -7
f(b) = f(3) = (3)2 - 4(3) - 3 = -6
Now,
[f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a) = (-6 + 7)/ (3 -2 ) = 1/1 = 1
According to the mean value theorem statement, there exists a point c ∈ (1, 4) such that f’(c) = [f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a) or, f’(c) = 1
2c - 4 = 1
2c = 5
C = 5/2 ∈ (1, 4)
f’(c) = 2(5/2) - 4 = 5 - 4 = 1
Ques. Verify mean value theorem for the function: f(x) = x2 - 4x - 3 in the interval [a, b], where a = 3, b = 5. (5 marks)
Ans. Given: f(x) = x2 - 4x - 3 and a = 1, b = 4
f’(x) = 2x - 4
f(a) = f(3) = (3)2 - 4(3) - 3 = -6
f(b) = f(5) = (5)2 - 4(5) - 3 = 2
Now,
[f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a) = (2 + 6)/ (5 - 3) = 8/2 = 4
According to the mean value theorem statement, there exists a point c ∈ (1, 4) such that f’(c) = [f(b) - f(a)]/ (b-a) or, f’(c) = 4
2c - 4 = 4
2c = 8
C = 8/2 ∈ (1, 4)
f’(c) = 2(8/2) - 4 = 8 - 4 = 4
Ques. For the function f(x) = 2x2 + 1 defined in the interval [-2, 3] verify Rolle’s Theorem. (3 marks)
Ans. Given, a = -2 and b = 3
- f(x) = 2x2 + 1
- f'(x) = 2x
- f(a) = f(0) = 2(-2)2 + 1
- 9
- f(b) = f(2) = 2(3)2 + 1
- 19
- Now,
- f(b) = f(a) thus the condition for Rolle’s Theorem is verified.
- we know that, f'(c) = 0
- 4c + 1 = 0
- 4c = -1
- c = -1/4
- c = -1/4 ∈ (-2, 3)
- Hence, Rolle’s Theorem is verified.
Ques. Find whether Rolle’s theorem is applicable or not for the function y = x2 + 2, between a = –1 and b = 1. (5 marks)
Ans. According to Rolle’s theorem, the function y = x2 + 2 is continuous and differentiable within (–2,2).
The given function,
F(x) = x2 + 2
Putting the value of -1 we get,
F(−2) = −12 + 2 = 1 + 2 = 3
Putting the value of 3 we get,
F(2) = 12 + 2 = 1 + 2 = 3
Thus, f(–2) = f(2) = 3
So, from the equation, it is clear that the value of f(x) at –2 and 2 points coincide with each other.
Now, f'(x) = 2x
According to Rolle’s theorem, a point c ∈ –1,1 is defined in such a way that f′(c) = 0.
At point c = 0, f′(c) = 0, here c = 0 exists between –1,1. So, the theorem is verified.
Ques. Discuss the conditions for the application of Rolle’s Theorem for the following function F(x) = x2/3 on (−2,1). (3 marks)
Ans. F(x) = x2/3
f ’(x) = 2/3x1/3
f ’ (0) = 2 /3(0)1/3
f ’(0) = ∞
So f ‘(x) does not exist at x=o and is not differentiable between (-2, 1)
So Rolle’s Theorem is not applicable on F(x) in (−2,1).
Ques. Apply Rolle’s Theorem If (x) = x2-4x -3 in the interval of 1 and 6. (3 marks)
Ans. f (x) = x2-4x-3, the given variable is continuous in the interval (1,6) and derivable (1,6).
The polynomial satisfies all the conditions of Rolle’s Theorem.
The f ’(x) = 2x-4
f ’(x) = 2c-4
f (6) = 62-4x6-3 = 9
f (1) = 1-4-3 = -6
Now,
f ’(x) = 2c-4
2c-4 = 0
C= 2
As, 2€ (1, 6) Rolle’s Theorem is applicable.
Ques. Verify Rolle’s Theorem for the following function f (x) = x2+2x-8 in the interval of [2,2]. (5 marks)
Ans. Rolle’s Theorem is satisfied if it satisfied the three conditions:
- f (x) = x2+2x-8 must be continuous at (2,2)
- f (x) = x2+2x-8 must be differentiable at (2,2)
- f(-2)= f(2)
f (x) = x2+2x-8 is a polynomial and continuous for all real values of x. So, f (x) = x2+2x-8 is continuous at (2,2).
For all real values of x, f (x) = x2+2x-8 must be differentiable at (2,2).
Now,
f(2)= (2)2 +2(2) -8
=0
f (2)= (2)2+2(2) -8
=0
Hence,
f(-2)= f (2)
Now,
f (x) = x2+2x-8
f ‘(x) = 2x+2
f ‘(c) = 2c+2
Though all three conditions are satisfied, then
f ‘(c)=0
2c+2=0
c = -1
The value of c falls between (2,2).
Therefore Rolle’s Theorem is satisfied between the given limit.
Ques. Verify Rolle’s theorem for the function y = x2 + 1, a = –3 and b = 3. (4 marks)
Ans. The function y = x2 + 1, as it is a polynomial function, is continuous in [– 3, 3] and differentiable in (–3, 3). Also,
f(-3) = (-3)2 + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10
f(3) = (3)2 + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10
Thus, f(– 1) = f(1) = 10
Hence, the function f(x) satisfies all conditions of Rolle's theorem.
Now, f'(x) = 2x
Rolle’s theorem states that there is a point c ∈ (– 3, 3) such that f′(c) = 0.
2c = 0
c = 0, where c = 0 ∈ (–3, 3)
For Latest Updates on Upcoming Board Exams, Click Here: https://t.me/class_10_12_board_updates
Check-Out:






Comments