Question Details

Let f : (0, 1) → ℝ be the function defined as f(x) = [4x] (x − 1/4)² (x − 1/2), where [x] denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to x. Which of the following statements is(are) true?

Options

A

The function f is discontinuous exactly at one point in (0, 1).

B

There is exactly one point in (0, 1) at which the function f is continuous but NOT differentiable.

C

The function f is NOT differentiable at more than three points in (0, 1).

D

The minimum value of the function f is −1/512.

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

The function f is discontinuous exactly at one point in (0, 1).

Option B

There is exactly one point in (0, 1) at which the function f is continuous but NOT differentiable.

Solution :

Correct Statements:
1. The function f is discontinuous exactly at one point in (0, 1).
2. There is exactly one point in (0, 1) at which the function f is continuous but NOT differentiable.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

The given function is defined on the domain x(0,1) as:

f(x)=[4x](x-14)2(x-12)

where [·] denotes the greatest integer function.

To analyze the continuity and differentiability of f(x), let us break the domain (0,1) into sub-intervals based on the values of the step function [4x]:

1. For x(0,14):
4x(0,1)[4x]=0
Thus, f(x)=0.

2. For x[14,12):
4x[1,2)[4x]=1
Thus, f(x)=(x-14)2(x-12).

3. For x[12,34):
4x[2,3)[4x]=2
Thus, f(x)=2(x-14)2(x-12).

4. For x[34,1):
4x[3,4)[4x]=3
Thus, f(x)=3(x-14)2(x-12).

Analysis at potential points of discontinuity/non-differentiability:

1. At x=14:
- Left-Hand Limit (LHL): limx14-f(x)=0
- Right-Hand Limit (RHL): limx14+f(x)=1·(0)2(14-12)=0
- Value at point: f(14)=0
Since LHL=RHL=f(14), f(x) is continuous at x=14.

Now checking derivatives at x=14:
- Left-Hand Derivative (LHD): f(14-)=0
- Right-Hand Derivative (RHD): f(14+)=ddx[(x-14)2(x-12)]x=14=2(x-14)(x-12)+(x-14)2|x=14=0
Since LHD=RHD=0, f(x) is differentiable at x=14.

2. At x=12:
- LHL: limx12-f(x)=1·(1window4)2(0)=0
- RHL: limx12+f(x)=2·(14)2(0)=0
- Value at point: f(12)=0
Thus, f(x) is continuous at x=12.

Now checking derivatives at x=12:
- LHD: f(12-)=1·[2(x-14)(x-12)+(x-14)2]x=12=1·(14)2=116
- RHD: f(12+)=2·[2(x-14)(x-12)+(x-14)2]x=12=2·(14)2=18
Since LHDRHD, f(x) is NOT differentiable at x=12.

3. At x=34:
- LHL: limx34-f(x)=2(34-14)2(34-12)=2(12)2(14)=18
- RHL: limx34+f(x)=3(34-14)2(34-12)=3(12)2(14)=316
Since LHLRHL, f(x) is discontinuous at x=34 (and consequently non-differentiable at this point as well).

Conclusion:
- Points of discontinuity in (0,1): Exactly one point, x=34.
- Points where f is continuous but NOT differentiable in (0,1): Exactly one point, x=12.

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