Darboux's theorem (analysis)

Every derivative has the intermediate-value property, even when the derivative is discontinuous.

Let $f$ be differentiable on an open interval containing $c$. If the finite limit of a function $L={\lim }_{x\to c}{f}^{\prime }(x)$ exists, then $f^{\prime }(c)=L$.

Choose $h_n>0$ tending to zero with $[c,c+h_n]$ in the interval. The mean value theorem gives $x_n\in (c,c+h_n)$ such thatThe right-hand side tends to $f^{\prime }(c)$ by differentiability. Since $x_n\to c$ with $x_n\ne c$, the left-hand side tends to $L$. Uniqueness of the limit of a sequence gives equality. The same reasoning excludes an infinite limit of a function for $f^{\prime }$ at $c$.

Thus derivatives may be discontinuous, but a removable discontinuity cannot be repaired by changing the value of a derivative at a single point of differentiability.

Let $m=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a)$ for a function differentiable on a neighborhood of $[a,b]$. If $m=k$, use the whole interval. If $m>k$, the continuous extension of $(f(x)-f(a))/(x-a)$ takes values $f^{\prime }(a)$ and $m$ at the endpoints, so the intermediate value theorem supplies a secant of slope $k$ starting at $a$. If $m<k$, use the continuous extension of $(f(b)-f(x))/(b-x)$ and obtain a secant ending at $b$. The mean value theorem then produces an interior derivative equal to $k$, without requiring a continuous derivative.