The graph shows the number of associate's degrees earned (in thousands) in the United States from 2000 through 2008. M(x) gives the number of degrees earned by males, $F(x)$ gives the number earned by females, and $T(x)$ gives the total number for both groups. Use the graph. (GRAPH CAN'T COPY).
Use the slopes of the line segments to decide in which period $(2000-2004 \text { or } 2004-2008)$ the total number of associate's degrees earned increased more rapidly.