Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2013 / ia / Paper 1 / 10E / b / ii

Fix $a<x<b$. Injectivity excludes $f(x)=c$ or $d$. If $f(x)<c$, the intermediate value theorem on $[x,b]$ gives a point other than $a$ with value $c$, contradicting injective function. If $f(x)>d$, the same theorem on $[a,x]$ gives a point other than $b$ with value $d$. ThereforeTo prove strict increase, take $x<y$. If $x=a$, the displayed endpoint ordering already gives $f(x)<f(y)$. Otherwise $f(a)<f(y)$, and the same interior-point argument on the subinterval $[a,y]$ yields $f(a)<f(x)<f(y)$. Hence $f$ is a strictly increasing function. This is the interval order theorem for continuous injections; the assumed endpoint order rules out strict decrease.