Identify the Decreasing Domain of f(x): Graph Analysis

Function Analysis with Graph Interpretation

In which domain does the function decrease?

f(x)x-57-1.58-110014215303.5250

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:03 Let's find where our function decreases.
00:07 The function decreases when X goes up and Y goes down.
00:14 It starts going down from this point.
00:17 Here, it first goes up, then starts going down again.
00:24 So, this gives us the decreasing domain.
00:31 And that's how we solve the problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

In which domain does the function decrease?

f(x)x-57-1.58-110014215303.5250

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll examine each interval provided between the points for f(x) f(x) from the graph, checking where  f(x)\ f(x) decreases:

  • Step 1: Look at the interval 2<x<3 2 < x < 3 .
    - For x=2 x = 2 ,  f(x)=15\ f(x) = 15 and for x=3 x = 3 ,  f(x)=0\ f(x) = 0 .
    - Since 150 15 \to 0 as x x moves from 2 to 3, the function decreases. Thus, this interval is decreasing.
  • Step 2: Examine the interval x>3.5 x > 3.5 .
    - For x=3.5 x = 3.5 ,  f(x)=2\ f(x) = 2 at the starting point, and it decreases beyond this point.
    - Since we need to find where f(x) f(x) decreases, and the function decreases as it's moving towards a lower value from this point, this indeed indicates a decreasing domain.

Therefore, the intervals where the function decreases are 2<x<3 2 < x < 3 and x>3.5 x > 3.5 .

The solution to this problem is that Answers B and C are correct, identifying the domains where f(x) f(x) decreases.

3

Final Answer

Answers B and C are correct

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Decreasing Function: Function values get smaller as x increases
  • Graph Reading: Check points: x=2 gives f(x)=15, x=3 gives f(x)=0
  • Verification: Trace left to right - downward slope means decreasing ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Only looking at individual points instead of intervals
    Don't just check if f(3) < f(2) and conclude the whole domain decreases! This misses intervals where the function might increase between points. Always examine the complete behavior across each interval by tracing the graph continuously.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Does the function in the graph decrease throughout?

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I tell if a function is decreasing from a graph?

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Look at the graph from left to right. If the line or curve goes downward, the function is decreasing. The y-values get smaller as x-values get larger.

What does the interval 2 < x < 3 mean exactly?

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This means all x-values between 2 and 3, but not including 2 or 3 themselves. It's like saying 'everything from just after 2 to just before 3'.

Why are both answers B and C correct?

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The function decreases in two separate intervals: from x=2 to x=3, and also for all x greater than 3.5. Both intervals show the graph going downward!

Can a function decrease in multiple places?

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Absolutely! Functions can go up and down many times. That's why we need to check each interval separately to see where it increases or decreases.

How do I read the coordinates from this type of graph?

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The bottom numbers show x-values, and the side numbers show f(x) values. Find where vertical and horizontal grid lines meet to read coordinates like (2, 15).

What if the graph shows a horizontal line?

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A horizontal line means the function is neither increasing nor decreasing - it's constant! The y-values stay the same as x changes.

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