1. The problem asks to identify intervals where the function is increasing or decreasing based on the graph. 2. Important rules: - A function is increasing on intervals where the graph moves upward as $x$ increases. - A function is decreasing on intervals where the graph moves downward as $x$ increases. 3. From the graph description: - The function decreases steeply from the left until near $x = -2$ (local minimum). - Then it increases from about $x = -2$ to slightly past $x = 0$ (local maximum). - After $x \approx 1$, it decreases again. 4. Therefore, the intervals are: - Decreasing on $(-\infty, -2)$ - Increasing on $(-2, 1)$ - Decreasing on $(1, \infty)$ 5. The given options in the question mention increasing on $(-\infty, -3)$ and decreasing on $(-3, -4)$, which is inconsistent with the graph description. Final answer: The function is decreasing on $(-\infty, -2)$, increasing on $(-2, 1)$, and decreasing on $(1, \infty)$.