decreasing. choose all answers that apply: a -5 < x < -4.5 b 0.5 < x < 1 c 1.5 < x < 2.5 d none of the above

Explanation:

Step1: Recall decreasing - function property

A function $y = h(x)$ is decreasing on an interval if for any two points $x_1$ and $x_2$ in the interval with $x_1<x_2$, we have $h(x_1)>h(x_2)$. Graphically, the function is decreasing when the graph goes down - hill as we move from left to right.

Step2: Analyze interval $-5 < x < - 4.5$

Looking at the graph, in the interval $-5 < x < - 4.5$, the function is increasing since the graph is going up - hill as we move from left to right.

Step3: Analyze interval $0.5 < x < 1$

In the interval $0.5 < x < 1$, the graph of the function is going down - hill as we move from left to right. So the function is decreasing in this interval.

Step4: Analyze interval $1.5 < x < 2.5$

In the interval $1.5 < x < 2.5$, the function is increasing since the graph is going up - hill as we move from left to right.

Answer:

B. $0.5 < x < 1$