The graph provided represents a linear function with a negative slope, which means it consistently decreases as $x$ increases.

Solution Analysis

For this line:

• Increasing Intervals: There are no intervals of increase since the function has a negative slope.
• Decreasing Intervals: The function is decreasing for all values of $x$, which can be represented by $(-\infty, \infty)$.

Answer

The correct option is:

• Increasing intervals: Never
• Decreasing intervals: Always or $(-\infty, \infty)$

Let me know if you would like further details or have any questions!

Here are five related questions to expand on this topic:

1. How do you determine whether a function is increasing or decreasing by looking at its equation?
2. What is the significance of the slope in determining intervals of increase and decrease?
3. Can a nonlinear function have both increasing and decreasing intervals?
4. How would you find the intervals of increase or decrease for a quadratic function?
5. What are critical points, and how do they relate to increasing and decreasing intervals?

Tip: For linear functions, the slope directly indicates whether the function is increasing or decreasing across its entire domain.