1. **Problem Statement:** Determine the intervals where the function is increasing and decreasing. 2. **Given:** The graph is a downward-opening parabola with vertex at $(-2,4)$ and x-intercepts at approximately $(-3,0)$ and $(-1,0)$. 3. **Key Concept:** For a parabola $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ with $a < 0$, the vertex represents the maximum point. 4. **Increasing and Decreasing Intervals:** - The function increases on the interval to the left of the vertex. - The function decreases on the interval to the right of the vertex. 5. **From the vertex at $x = -2$:** - Increasing interval: $$(-\infty, -2)$$ - Decreasing interval: $$(-2, \infty)$$ 6. **Explanation:** Since the parabola opens downward, the function rises as $x$ approaches $-2$ from the left and falls as $x$ moves away from $-2$ to the right. **Final answer:** - Increasing on $$(-\infty, -2)$$ - Decreasing on $$(-2, \infty)$$