Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Function Behavior
Understanding how a function behaves involves analyzing its increasing and decreasing intervals. A function is increasing on an interval if, for any two points within that interval, the function's value at the second point is greater than at the first. Conversely, it is decreasing if the function's value at the second point is less than at the first. This behavior is crucial for determining the intervals of increase and decrease.
Recommended video:
End Behavior of Polynomial Functions
Derivative
The derivative of a function provides information about its rate of change. For a function to be increasing, its derivative must be positive, while a negative derivative indicates that the function is decreasing. By finding the derivative of the given function and analyzing its sign, we can identify the intervals where the function is increasing or decreasing.
Recommended video:
Geometric Sequences - General Formula
Critical Points
Critical points occur where the derivative of a function is zero or undefined. These points are essential for determining where a function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. By locating the critical points of the function ƒ(x) = (x + 3)^2, we can analyze the intervals around these points to establish where the function is increasing or decreasing.
Recommended video: