A function f(x) is strictly increasing if its y -value always rises as we increase the x -value. No section of the graph is allowed to be flat.

On the other hand, a function f(x) is increasing if its y -value never falls as we increase the x -value.

Watch Out! Increasing functions, like the one below, are allowed to have flat sections.

FLAG

In which intervals is the function y=f(x) (plotted below) strictly increasing? In which intervals is it increasing?

EXPLANATION

If we follow the graph from left to right, we can see that:

  • For x\in(-2,2) the graph rises

  • For x\in(2,5) the graph falls

  • For x\in(5,7) the graph is flat

  • For x\in(7,9) the graph rises

Therefore, we conclude that:

  • The function is strictly increasing on the intervals where it always rises: (-2,2) and (7,9).

  • The function is increasing on the intervals where it never falls: (-2,2) and (5,9).

FLAG

On which interval(s) is the function $y=f(x)$, shown above, increasing?

a
$(0, \infty)$ only
b
$(-\infty, 0) $ and $(1, \infty)$
c
$(-\infty, 0) $ only
d
$(-\infty, 1)$ only
e
$(1, \infty)$ only

On which interval is the function $y=f(x)$, shown above, strictly increasing?

a
$(-\infty, -1) $
b
$(1, \infty)$
c
$(-\infty, 1) $
d
$(-1,1)$
e
$(-1, \infty)$

A function f(x) is strictly decreasing if its y -value always falls as we increase the x -value. No section of the graph is allowed to be flat.

On the other hand, a function f(x) is decreasing if its y -value never rises as we increase the x -value. Decreasing functions are allowed to have flat sections.

FLAG

In which intervals is the function y=f(x) (plotted below) strictly decreasing? On which intervals is it decreasing?

EXPLANATION

If we follow the graph from left to right, we can see that:

  • For x\in (-4,-3) the graph rises

  • For x\in (-3,0) the graph falls

  • For x\in (0,2) the graph rises

  • For x\in (2,4) the graph is flat

  • For x\in (4,5) the graph falls

Therefore, we can conclude that:

  • The graph is strictly decreasing on the intervals where it always falls: (-3,0) and (4,5).

  • The graph is decreasing on the intervals where it never rises: (-3,0) and (2,5).

FLAG

On which interval is the function $y=f(x)$, shown above, decreasing?

a
$(0,1)$
b
$(-\infty, 0) $
c
$(-\infty, 1)$
d
$(-\infty, 0) \cup(1, \infty)$
e
$(1, \infty)$

On which interval is the function $y=f(x)$, shown above, strictly decreasing?

a
$(1, \infty)$
b
$(-2,0) $ and $ (2, \infty)$
c
$(2, \infty)$
d
$(0,2) $ and $ (2, \infty)$
e
$(-2,2) $ and $ (2, \infty)$
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