# A function such that $f'(x)>0$, but not strictly monotone increasing.

This is Exercise 10.3.5 from Analysis Vol.1 by Terence Tao.

Give an example of a subset $X \subset \mathbb{R}$ and a function $f: X \to \mathbb{R}$ which is differentiable on $X$, is such that $f'(x)>0$ for all $x \in X$, but $f$ is not strictly monotone increasing.

Thanks.

The easiest example is $X=(0,1) \cup (2,3)$, and $$f(x)=x \quad\text{for x \in (0,1)}, f(x)=x-100 \quad\text{for x \in (2,3)}.$$ This function has $f'>0$ on $X$ but nevertheless it is not strictly increasing on $X$.
• Shame didn't think of this. I was expecting something more complicated, like a function on $\mathbb{Q}$ or something. Anyway, this is a correct answer, thanks. – Not an ID Jun 11 '14 at 11:54
• I beg to differ about "easiest"; what about $f(x) = -1/x$ on the set $X$ of non-zero reals...? ;) – Andrew D. Hwang Jun 11 '14 at 12:07
• Well, I was essentially thinking of the shape of $X$, but the concept of simplicity is not totally ordered :-) – Siminore Jun 11 '14 at 12:22