Functions and Differentiation
Monotonicity and inequalities involving polynomial functions
GRB_1000_MCQ
Grade Class 12
Question:
Let $f(x)$ be a polynomial function satisfying $0 < xf(y) < yf(x)$ $\forall$ $x, y$ such that $0 < x < y < 1$ and $f(0) = 0$, then:
$f'(x) < f(1)$
$f(1) < 2\displaystyle\int_0^1 f(x)\,dx$
$3f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{3}\right) > 2f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)$
$6f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{6}\right) < 5f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{5}\right)$
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Interpret the condition $0 < xf(y) < yf(x)$ for $0 < x < y < 1$. Dividing both sides by $xy > 0$:
$$\frac{f(y)}{y} < \frac{f(x)}{x}$$
This means $g(x) = \dfrac{f(x)}{x}$ is strictly decreasing on $(0,1)$.
Step 2: Analyze option (a): $f'(x) < f(1)$.
Since $g(x) = f(x)/x$ is decreasing, for $x \in (0,1)$: $g(x) > g(1) = f(1)$, so $f(x) > xf(1)$.
By the mean value theorem or direct argument, $f'(x) < f(1)$ follows from the concavity-like property. Since $f(x)/x > f(1)$ for $x \in (0,1)$ and $f(0)=0$, the slope from origin exceeds $f(1)$, implying $f'(x) < f(1)$ at interior points. Option (a) is correct.
Step 3: Analyze option (b): $f(1) < 2\displaystyle\int_0^1 f(x)\,dx$.
Since $f(x) > xf(1)$ for $x \in (0,1)$:
$$\int_0^1 f(x)\,dx > \int_0^1 xf(1)\,dx = f(1)\cdot\frac{1}{2}$$
So $2\displaystyle\int_0^1 f(x)\,dx > f(1)$. Option (b) is correct.
Step 4: Analyze option (c): $3f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{3}\right) > 2f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)$.
Since $g(x) = f(x)/x$ is decreasing and $\dfrac{1}{3} < \dfrac{1}{2}$:
$$g\!\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) > g\!\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) \implies \frac{f(1/3)}{1/3} > \frac{f(1/2)}{1/2} \implies 3f\!\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) > 2f\!\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)$$
Option (c) is correct.
Step 5: Analyze option (d): $6f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{6}\right) < 5f\!\left(\dfrac{1}{5}\right)$.
Since $\dfrac{1}{6} < \dfrac{1}{5}$, by the same decreasing property of $g$:
$$g\!\left(\frac{1}{6}\right) > g\!\left(\frac{1}{5}\right) \implies 6f\!\left(\frac{1}{6}\right) > 5f\!\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)$$
So option (d) is incorrect.
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3