Part of CALC-09 — Mean Value Theorems (Rolle's, LMVT)

LMVT for Proving Inequalities

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Method: Apply LMVT to get f(b) - f(a) = f'(c)(b-a) for some c in (a,b), then bound f'(c).

Classic inequality 1: |sin a - sin b| <= |a - b| Apply LMVT to sin x: sin b - sin a = cos(c)(b-a). Since |cos c| <= 1: |sin b - sin a| <= |b-a|.

Classic inequality 2: x1+x\frac{x}{1+x} < ln(1+x) < x for x > 0 Apply LMVT to ln(1+t) on [0,x]: ln1+xx\frac{1+x}{x} = 11+c\frac{1}{1+c} for c in (0,x). Since 0 < c < x: 11+x\frac{1}{1+x} < 11+c\frac{1}{1+c} < 1. Multiply by x: x1+x\frac{x}{1+x} < ln(1+x) < x.

Classic inequality 3: bab\frac{b-a}{b} < lnba\frac{b}{a} < baa\frac{b-a}{a} for 0 < a < b Apply LMVT to ln(t) on [a,b]: ln(b) - ln(a) = 1c\frac{1}{c}(b-a). Since a < c < b: 1/b < 1/c < 1/a.

General strategy: If m <= f'(x) <= M on [a,b], then m(b-a) <= f(b)-f(a) <= M(b-a).

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