Step 1 :  

(a)

The function .

Differentiate with respect to x.

Determination of critical points :

The function is undefined when .

Equate to zero:

The critical points are and .

Step 2 :

Consider test intervals as and .

Interval	Test Value	Sign of	Conclusion
		\ \	Increasing
		\ \	Decreasing
		\ \	Decreasing
		\ \	Increasing

Thus, The function is increasing on the intervals and .

And The function is decreasing on the intervals and .

Solution :

The function is increasing on the intervals and .

The function is decreasing on the intervals and .