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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