Since the first derivative $f'(x)$ is strictly positive for all $x$, the function $f(x) = 2x + \cos x$ is an increasing function throughout its domain.
This also rules out (A) and (B) because an increasing function has no local maxima or minima.
First, find the derivative of the function \(f(x) = 2x + \cos x\).
\(f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(2x + \cos x) = 2 - \sin x\)
Next, analyze the sign of \(f'(x)\). Since \(-1 \leq \sin x \leq 1\), we have:
\(-1 \leq -\sin x \leq 1\)
\(2 - 1 \leq 2 - \sin x \leq 2 + 1\)
\(1 \leq f'(x) \leq 3\)
Since \(f'(x) \geq 1\) for all \(x\), \(f'(x)\) is always positive. This means that the function \(f(x)\) is always increasing.
Therefore, \(f(x)\) is an increasing function.
Correct Answer: is an increasing function
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