Mean value of second derivative of a function

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the mean value of d^2 y / dx^2 with respect to x over a given interval. The speaker suggests using the FTC to solve this problem and explains the steps involved in calculating the average value of a function on an interval. The solution involves computing y'(x) and evaluating it at the endpoints of the interval.
  • #1
Erfan1
9
0
The curve C is defined parametrically by x = 4t - t^2 and y = 1 - e^-t where 0≤t<2 .
Show that the mean value of d^2 y / dx^2 with respect to x over the interval 0≤x≤7/4 is (4e^(-1/2) - 3)/ 21 .

I've figured out d^2 y/dx^2 as ((t-1)e^-t)/(4(2-t)^3) . Any idea how to do the the other part ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm not sure you need to compute $y''(x)$. Why not use the FTC? You know that the average value $\langle f \rangle$ of a function $f$ on the interval $[a,b]$ is given by
$$\langle f \rangle=\frac{1}{b-a} \int_{a}^{b}f(x) \, dx.$$
So the average value of $y''(x)$ on the interval $[0,7/4]$ would be
$$\langle y''(x) \rangle=\frac{1}{7/4-0} \int_{0}^{7/4}y''(x) \, dx
=\frac{4}{7} [y'(x)] \big|_{0}^{7/4}.$$
So now you need to compute $y'(x)$, and evalute at the two endpoints. Does that make sense?
 

FAQ: Mean value of second derivative of a function

What is the mean value of the second derivative of a function?

The mean value of the second derivative of a function is a measure of the average rate of change of the function's slope over a given interval. It is calculated by taking the second derivative of the function and then finding the average value of that derivative over the interval.

Why is the mean value of the second derivative important?

The mean value of the second derivative is important because it can provide insight into the behavior and characteristics of a function. It can help determine the concavity and inflection points of a function, as well as identify where the function is increasing or decreasing at the fastest rate.

How is the mean value of the second derivative calculated?

To calculate the mean value of the second derivative, the function's second derivative is first found using the rules of differentiation. Then, the average value of the second derivative is found by dividing the integral of the second derivative over the interval by the length of the interval.

Can the mean value of the second derivative be negative?

Yes, the mean value of the second derivative can be negative. This indicates that the function is concave downward over the given interval. If the mean value is zero, the function is considered to be linear over the interval.

What information can be gained from the sign of the mean value of the second derivative?

The sign of the mean value of the second derivative can provide information about the shape and behavior of a function. A positive mean value indicates a concave upward function, while a negative mean value indicates a concave downward function. Additionally, the sign can help identify the presence of inflection points and where the function is increasing or decreasing at the fastest rate.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
555
Back
Top