What might lead to an increase in induced drag?

Induced drag is closely associated with the angle of attack of an aircraft's wing. When the angle of attack is raised, the lift generated by the wing increases, which consequently increases induced drag. This phenomenon occurs because induced drag is a byproduct of lift — as more lift is produced, the vortices generated at the wingtips become stronger, leading to an increase in induced drag.

Raising the angle of attack can be a necessary maneuver during takeoff and landing phases, but it always comes with a trade-off in terms of drag. Thus, selecting this option reflects an understanding of the aerodynamic principles governing lift and drag, particularly the relationship between lift generation and the resultant increase in induced drag as the angle of attack increases.

In contrast, lowering the flap setting, increasing speed, or reducing weight typically either decrease the angle of attack or reduce the overall lift being generated, which can lead to a decrease in induced drag rather than an increase.