Function Given by Graph I

Project ID: 
3000020701
Question: 

George was explaining to his classmates what properties the function $f$ has if the graph was given by three line segments.

He explained that:

(1) Each of the line segments is a part of a straight line that is a graph of a linear function.

(2) Each of the line segments is a part of a straight line with a positive slope. And a linear function with a positive slope is increasing.

(3) The function $f$ is increasing on intervals $(-1;2] $, $(5;9)$, $[ 9;14] $.

(4) Since the function $f$ is increasing on intervals $(-1;2] $, $(5;9)$, $[ 9;14] $, it is also increasing on the set $(−1;2] \cup (5;9) \cup [ 9;14] $.

Did he make a mistake? If yes, determine where:

Answer 1: 

Yes, there is a mistake in the part (4). The monotonicity of the function f on individual intervals cannot provide any relevant information about the monotonicity of f on the union of those intervals.

Answer 2: 

Yes, there is a mistake in the part (4). Since the function f is increasing on intervals $(-1;2]$, $(5;9)$, $[ 9;14]$, it is also increasing on the interval $(-1;14]$.

Answer 3: 

Yes, there is a mistake in the part (2). The monotonicity of the linear function cannot be determined by the slope of the given straight line.

Answer 4: 

Yes, there is a mistake in the part (3). Function f can be increasing solely on open intervals.

Answer 5: 

No. There is no mistake in George’s explanation.

Answer 6: 

Yes, there is a mistake in the part (1). Only one line segment includes both its endpoints.

Correct Answer: 
Answer 1