Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivative
The derivative of a function measures the rate at which the function's value changes as its input changes. To determine where a function is increasing, we analyze its derivative: if the derivative is positive over an interval, the function is increasing on that interval.
Recommended video:
Critical Points
Critical points occur where the derivative of a function is zero or undefined. These points are essential for identifying intervals of increase or decrease, as they can indicate potential local maxima or minima, which help in determining the overall behavior of the function.
Recommended video:
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a mathematical notation used to represent a range of values. It is crucial for expressing the intervals on which a function is increasing or decreasing. For example, the interval (a, b) indicates that the function is increasing from point a to point b, not including the endpoints.
Recommended video: