a. Find the open interval(s) on which the function is increasing and decreasing. b. Identify the function's local and absolute extreme values, if any, saying where they occur. f( x) = * (x2 - 16) . . . a. On what open interval(s), if any, is the function increasing? Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box(es) to complete your choice. O A. The function is increasing on the open interval(s) (Simplify your answer. Type your answer in interval notation. Type an exact answer, using radicals as needed. Use a comma to separate answers as needed.) O B. The function is never increasing