The graph is going downhill as long as x is less than -1. So we say its decreasing when x < -1. This makes the answer to be choice A. Sure enough, its also increasing when x > -1 since its going uphill now.
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Problem 2
The answer is choice C here. The reason why is because the point (1,8) appears to be on the graph though its slightly a bit off. Only choice C mentions anything close to (1,8). This is the highest point in the given neighborhood of points nearby, so its a local max.
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Problem 3
This function is NOT even. The function is NOT odd either. It is neither. The answer is choice A. The reason why is because the exponents (4 and 1) are mixed in terms of even-ness and oddness. If we had only even exponents, then the function would be even. Likewise would apply to all odd exponents.