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GATE 2025 ST – Question 36

Calculus · Single Variable Calculus · 2 marks · Multiple choice

Let F be all real functions continuous on [a,b] and differentiable on (a,b). Which is correct?

  1. Some nonconstant f∈F satisfies |f(x)−f(y)|≤|x−y|² for all x,y.
  2. Every f∈F and interior x₀ has distinct x₁,x₂ with secant slope f′(x₀).
  3. If f′≥0 and f′ is zero at only two distinct points, f is strictly increasing.
  4. A derivative may skip a value lying strictly between two of its values.

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Correct answer: (C) If f′≥0 and f′ is zero at only two distinct points, f is strictly increasing.

Explanation

A would give |f′|=0 by difference quotients and hence a constant function. B fails for f(x)=x³ on [−1,1] at x₀=0, since every nontrivial secant slope x₁²+x₁x₂+x₂² is positive. D contradicts Darboux’s theorem. For C, f is nondecreasing; equality at two ordered points would make it constant throughout their interval and force infinitely many derivative zeros. Thus **C**.

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