Question

Determine if the following data set follows a linear, quadratic, or exponential model.

(−2, 10), (−1,1), (0, −2), (1,1), (2,10)

a. Linear
b. Exponential
c. Quadratic
a. Too little information to tell

Answer 1

looks quadratic ... y = a x^2 + bx + c

-2 = (a * 0^2) + (b * 0) + c ... c = -2

10 = 4 a + 2 b - 2 ... 4 = 2 a + b

1 = a + b - 2 ... -1 = a + b

subtracting equations ... 5 = a
... substituting ... -6 = b

y = 5 x^2 - 6 x - 2

nope ... Too little information to tell

Answer 2

Since the points are symmetric around (0,-2), I'd guess
y = ax^2 - 2
Using one of the points, it looks like
y = 3x^2 - 2