Let's analyze the graph you provided:

1. Decreasing Interval:

To identify where the function is decreasing, observe where the graph is sloping downwards. From visual inspection:

• The function is decreasing from approximately $x = -3$ to $x = 1$, as the slope of the curve is negative in this range.

So the function is decreasing on the interval $-3 < x < 1$.

2. Inflection Point:

An inflection point is where the concavity of the function changes, meaning the curve changes from concave up to concave down or vice versa. From the graph, it seems this happens around $x = -1$, where the curve switches from concave down (before $x = -1$) to concave up (after $x = -1$).

Thus, the inflection point is approximately at $x = -1$.

Answers:

• Decreasing interval: $-3 < x < 1$
• Inflection point: $x = -1$

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to expand on this:

1. How do you calculate the derivative of a function to find decreasing intervals?
2. What is the significance of concavity in determining inflection points?
3. How do you calculate the second derivative to verify the inflection point?
4. How can you determine if a point is a local minimum or maximum from the graph?
5. What are some examples of functions with multiple inflection points?

Tip: The first derivative of a function gives the slope, while the second derivative helps identify concavity and potential inflection points!