Analyzing the Setup
We are given a twice-differentiable function g(x) and a composite function defined as:
Our objective is to analyze the behavior of the second derivative f′′(x) within the interval (0,2).
Unveiling the First Derivative
To reach the second derivative, we must first differentiate f(x) with respect to x. Applying the derivative operator and the chain rule to the second term, we obtain:
f′(x)=21[g′(x)+g′(2−x)⋅(−1)]
This simplifies to the following expression:
The Discovery of Roots
We are given the condition g′(21)=g′(23). Let us evaluate f′(x) at specific points to identify its roots.
For x=21:
f′(21)=21[g′(21)−g′(2−21)]=21[g′(21)−g′(23)]=0
For x=23:
f′(23)=21[g′(23)−g′(2−23)]=21[g′(23)−g′(21)]=0
Finally, at the point of symmetry x=1:
f′(1)=21[g′(1)−g′(2−1)]=21[g′(1)−g′(1)]=0
Thus, we have identified three distinct roots for f′(x) at x=21, x=1, and x=23.
Applying Rolle's Theorem
We now invoke Rolle's Theorem, which states that if a function is zero at two points, its derivative must vanish at some point in between.
Consider the interval [21,1]. Since f′(21)=0 and f′(1)=0, there must exist at least one c1∈(21,1) such that:
Next, consider the interval [1,23]. Since f′(1)=0 and f′(23)=0, there must exist at least one c2∈(1,23) such that:
Conclusion
By applying the fundamental theorems of calculus to the inherent symmetry of the function, we have proven that f′′(x)=0 at at least two distinct points in the interval (0,2).