Math Problem Statement

Use the graph to determine: (a) open intervals on which the function is increasing, if any; (b) open intervals on which the function is decreasing, if any; (c) open intervals on which the function is constant, if any.

Solution

Looking at the graph provided in the question, let's go over the problem step by step.

Observations from the Graph:

  • The graph represents a function f(x)f(x) over the interval [4,4][-4, 4].
  • The function seems to have different behaviors in different intervals.

Breakdown of Each Part:

(a) Open intervals on which the function is increasing:

  • The function is increasing where its slope is positive.
  • From the graph, we see that the function increases from x=0x = 0 to x=4x = 4.

Answer: (0,4)(0, 4)

(b) Open intervals on which the function is decreasing:

  • The function decreases where its slope is negative.
  • From the graph, the function decreases from x=4x = -4 to x=0x = 0.

Answer: (4,0)(-4, 0)

(c) Open intervals on which the function is constant:

  • The function is constant where its slope is zero (a horizontal line).
  • There are no horizontal lines in this graph, so the function is never constant.

Answer: The function is never constant.

Conclusion:

  1. (a) The function is increasing on the interval (0,4)(0, 4).
  2. (b) The function is decreasing on the interval (4,0)(-4, 0).
  3. (c) The function is never constant.

Would you like any more details or clarification on these answers?

Here are five questions related to this:

  1. How do you determine the slope of a function visually from a graph?
  2. What does the interval notation represent in terms of function behavior?
  3. How would the function behave if there were a horizontal section on the graph?
  4. How do critical points relate to increasing and decreasing intervals?
  5. What is the difference between a closed and open interval in graph interpretation?

Tip: When using interval notation, always remember to use round brackets for open intervals (where the endpoints are not included).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Intervals
Graph Analysis
Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12