Graph Completion Challenge: Determine Increasing and Decreasing Function Trends

Function Behavior with Given Points

Copy the points and complete the graph of the function according to the instructions, if it is not possible explain why.

Is it possible to create an increasing and decreasing function with the two given points?

000

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:10 Can we make a function that rises and falls between two points?
00:15 Let's plot the points on the graph to see this.
00:22 Notice how the function goes down and then back up.
00:28 And that's the answer to our question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Copy the points and complete the graph of the function according to the instructions, if it is not possible explain why.

Is it possible to create an increasing and decreasing function with the two given points?

000

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine if it is possible to create a function that is both increasing and decreasing with the two given points, we first identify that we need these points to serve as part of a curve that captures some increasing and decreasing interval logic.

Given the graphical representation of the two points, let's say Point A is approximately at (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and Point B at (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) where x1<x2x_1 < x_2 and y1y_1 and y2y_2 are different.

The challenge is to connect these points so a section of the curve shows an increase in yy value, followed by a section that shows a decrease, or vice versa. This means that:

  • From Point A to Point B, without other constraints, a simple line might just connect increasing or flat, or decreasing, as a linear function.
  • However, if we can have a part of the function increase to a point CC, and then decrease to Point B, or vice versa, a composite or non-linear function allows variability of slopes.

For example, with polynomial functions or sinusoidal pieces, the behavior can vary such that while it rises and then falls, it can pass the given points.

Under continuity and allowing intervals, this scenario is possible. Between these two given points, you can define intervals I1I_1 and I2I_2 such that part of the function f(x)f(x) is increasing over I1I_1 and decreasing over I2I_2.

Therefore, assuming correct choice of path and function forms, it is possible to create such a function.

In conclusion, the capability of implementing both increasing and decreasing sections through strategic function choice and segmentation confirms: Possible.

3

Final Answer

Possible

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Functions can have both increasing and decreasing intervals
  • Technique: Connect points with curves that rise then fall or fall then rise
  • Check: Verify function passes through both given points and changes direction ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Connecting points with only straight lines
    Don't just draw a straight line between the two points = no change in direction! A linear function can only be increasing, decreasing, or constant throughout. Always use curved paths that can change from increasing to decreasing or vice versa.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Does the function in the graph decrease throughout?

YYYXXX

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Can a function be both increasing and decreasing at the same time?

+

Not at the same point, but it can be increasing on some intervals and decreasing on others! Think of a hill - you go up one side (increasing) and down the other (decreasing).

What type of function should I draw to connect these points?

+

You can use parabolas, sine waves, or any curved function that goes up and then down (or down then up) between the points. The key is having a turning point where direction changes.

Do the given points have to be the highest or lowest points?

+

No! The given points just need to be on your curve. The turning point (maximum or minimum) can be anywhere between, before, or after these points.

How do I know if my graph shows both increasing and decreasing behavior?

+

Look for sections where the curve goes upward from left to right (increasing) and sections where it goes downward from left to right (decreasing). Your curve should have both!

What if the two points have the same y-value?

+

Even easier! You can create a curve that goes up from one point, reaches a peak, then comes back down to the other point at the same height. This clearly shows both behaviors.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Functions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations