Step 1: Bode criterion.
In Bode stability analysis, stability margin is determined from the frequency response where both gain and phase generally decrease with frequency.
Step 2: Option check.
- (A) Correct: Applicable when both decrease.
- (B), (C), (D): Do not reflect the typical behavior required for Bode stability analysis.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{A) gain and phase curves both decrease with frequency}} \]
The Block diagram for a control system is shown below:


