CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Continuity and Differentiability Q #1694
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
1 Marks 2026 AISSCE(Board Exam) MCQ SINGLE
The greatest integer function, $f(x)=[x]$ for $0 \lt x \lt 3$ is not differentiable at how many points?
(A) At only one point
(B) At only two points
(C) At no point
(D) At three points
Correct Answer: B

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Understanding the Function

The greatest integer function $f(x) = [x]$ is defined as the greatest integer less than or equal to $x$. This function is constant between any two consecutive integers but has jump discontinuities at every integer value.

Step 2: Identifying Points of Discontinuity

For the interval $0 < x < 3$, the function $f(x) = [x]$ is discontinuous at the integer values $x = 1$ and $x = 2$. Since a function must be continuous at a point to be differentiable there, the function is definitely not differentiable at $x = 1$ and $x = 2$.

Step 3: Analyzing Differentiability

At any non-integer point $c$ in the interval $(0, 3)$, the function is locally constant (i.e., $f(x) = [c]$ for $x$ in a small neighborhood around $c$). Since the derivative of a constant is zero, the function is differentiable at all non-integer points. At the integer points $x = 1$ and $x = 2$, the left-hand limit and right-hand limit do not coincide, confirming non-differentiability.

Final Answer: At only two points

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student must apply the definition of differentiability and the properties of the greatest integer function to a specific interval.
Knowledge Dimension: CONCEPTUAL
Justification: The question tests the conceptual understanding of the relationship between continuity and differentiability for step functions.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of CBSE Class 12, this is classified as COMPETENCY. It requires the student to move beyond rote memorization of derivatives and analyze the behavior of a function at critical points.