Math Problem Statement

The graph of a function f is given. Use the graph to estimate the following: (a) The domain and range of f, (b) The intervals on which f is increasing and decreasing.

Solution

Let's analyze the graph and the corresponding questions.

(a) The domain and range of ff:

  1. Domain: The domain refers to the set of all xx-values for which the function is defined. From the graph, we can see that the function starts somewhere in the negative xx-direction and continues indefinitely in the positive xx-direction without any breaks or gaps. Therefore, the domain is all real numbers: Domain: (,)\text{Domain: } (-\infty, \infty)

  2. Range: The range refers to the set of all yy-values that the function attains. Observing the graph, the lowest point appears to be at y=2y = -2, and the highest point is at y=2y = 2. Thus, the range is: Range: [2,2]\text{Range: } [-2, 2]

(b) Intervals of increasing and decreasing:

  1. Increasing: A function is increasing where its slope is positive (i.e., moving upwards as xx increases). From the graph, the function is increasing in two intervals:

    • From x=3x = -3 to x=1x = -1
    • From x=1x = 1 to x=2x = 2

    Therefore, the intervals of increasing are: Increasing: (3,1)(1,2)\text{Increasing: } (-3, -1) \cup (1, 2)

  2. Decreasing: A function is decreasing where its slope is negative (i.e., moving downwards as xx increases). From the graph, the function is decreasing in two intervals:

    • From x=1x = -1 to x=1x = 1
    • From x=2x = 2 and beyond

    Therefore, the intervals of decreasing are: Decreasing: (1,1)(2,)\text{Decreasing: } (-1, 1) \cup (2, \infty)

Summary of corrections:

  • Domain: (,)(-\infty, \infty) (Your previous answer was correct, the checkmark seems misplaced.)
  • Range: [2,2][-2, 2] (The correct range should be revised to include y=2y = -2 and y=2y = 2.)
  • Increasing: (3,1)(1,2)(-3, -1) \cup (1, 2)
  • Decreasing: (1,1)(2,)(-1, 1) \cup (2, \infty)

Let me know if you'd like further details or have any questions! Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How do we find the critical points of a function based on its graph?
  2. What is the significance of local maxima and minima in determining increasing/decreasing intervals?
  3. How do you interpret the behavior of a function as xx \to \infty?
  4. Can a function have more than one interval of increase or decrease?
  5. What are the characteristics of a continuous function's graph?

Tip: When determining intervals of increase or decrease, always check the slopes of tangent lines or how the graph behaves between critical points.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Graph Analysis
Functions
Domain and Range
Increasing and Decreasing Intervals

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12