21. (Total: 14 points; Part 1: 6 points; Part 2: 8 points)\\
Given the function $f(x) = a \cdot 2^x + b \cdot 3^x$, where constants $a, b$ satisfy $a \cdot b \neq 0$\\
(1) If $a \cdot b > 0$, determine the monotonicity of function $f(x)$;\\
(2) If $a \cdot b < 0$, find the range of $x$ when $f(x+1) > f(x)$.