Let denote the set of all real numbers. Define the function by
Then which one of the following statements is TRUE ?
- A
The function is NOT differentiable at
- B
There is a positive real number , such that is a decreasing function on the interval
- C
For any positive real number , the function is NOT an increasing function on the interval
- D
is a point of local minima of
Examine each option in turn.
Differentiability at 0. For , as . So is differentiable at with . Option (A) is false.
Derivative for . Differentiating,
As , the first two terms vanish, while oscillates between and . Therefore in every neighbourhood of on either side, takes both positive and negative values.
Option (B): On any interval , changes sign repeatedly, so is not monotonic there. False.
Option (C): By the same oscillation argument, is not non-negative throughout any interval , so is not increasing on for any . True.
Option (D): For small , when , which holds. So has a local maximum at , not a minimum. False.
The correct option is (C).