Step 1: Calculate the derivative. The derivative of \( f(x) \) is given by: \[f'(x) = k - \cos x.\] Step 2: Determine the condition for an increasing function. For \( f(x) \) to be strictly increasing, the following condition must hold: \[f'(x)>0 \implies k - \cos x>0 \implies k>\cos x.\] Step 3: Identify the maximum value of \( \cos x \). The maximum value that \( \cos x \) can attain is 1. Consequently: \[k>1.\] Step 4: Validate against the options. The function is strictly increasing when \( k>1 \). This condition aligns with option (A).