1. The problem asks to identify the intervals where the given function is increasing and decreasing based on the graph description. 2. A function is increasing on intervals where the graph moves upward as $x$ increases, and decreasing where it moves downward as $x$ increases. 3. From the description: - The graph starts from the bottom left and rises to a local maximum near $x = -1.5$, so it is increasing on $(-\infty, -1.5)$. - After the local maximum at $x = -1.5$, the graph dips down to a local minimum near $x = 1.5$, so it is decreasing on $(-1.5, 1.5)$. - After the local minimum at $x = 1.5$, the graph rises sharply near $x = 3$ and continues upward, so it is increasing on $(1.5, \infty)$. 4. Therefore, the function is: - Increasing on the intervals $$(-\infty, -1.5) \cup (1.5, \infty)$$ - Decreasing on the interval $$(-1.5, 1.5)$$ This matches the behavior described by the local maxima and minima on the graph.