Which of the following describes augmented intervals?

Augmented intervals are defined as intervals that are larger than the corresponding perfect or major intervals. In music theory, a perfect interval includes unison, fourth, fifth, and octave. When an interval is augmented, it means that you have increased its size by a half step, thus creating a larger distance between the two notes than what is found in a perfect interval.

This concept is rooted in the hierarchical nature of musical intervals: perfect intervals can be altered to become augmented when an additional half step is added. For instance, an augmented fourth is created by raising a perfect fourth by a half step. Therefore, recognizing that augmented intervals increase the distance between notes helps in understanding their role in harmony and progression in music.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of augmented intervals. Reducing intervals, discussing minor scales, or confining intervals to triads does not encapsulate the definition or the concept surrounding augmented intervals.