To interpret what happens to speed when the graph of speed versus time is either increasing or decreasing, let's break down the meaning of an increasing function and a decreasing function.
1. Increasing Function:
- When we say that a function (in this case, speed as a function of time) is increasing, it means that as time progresses, the value of the function (speed) is getting larger.
- In simpler terms, if the graph is going upwards as we move from left to right, the speed is rising. This signifies that the vehicle or object is accelerating.
2. Decreasing Function:
- Conversely, when a function is decreasing, it means that as time progresses, the value of the function (speed) is getting smaller.
- In other words, if the graph is going downwards as we move from left to right, the speed is dropping. This signifies that the vehicle or object is decelerating.
### Summary:
- When the graph is increasing, the speed is increasing.
- When the graph is decreasing, the speed is decreasing.
Therefore:
- When the graph is increasing, the speed is (1) increasing.
- When the graph is decreasing, the speed is (2) decreasing.
