To determine which equation correctly describes the function represented in the table, let's analyze the relationship between \(x\) and \(y\):
The table is:
\[
\begin{array}{c|c}
x & y \
\hline
0 & -2 \
2 & 4 \
4 & 10 \
6 & 16 \
\end{array}
\]
We can observe the pattern in the values of \(x\) and \(y\):
- When \(x = 0\), \(y = -2\).
- When \(x = 2\), \(y = 4\).
- When \(x = 4\), \(y = 10\).
- When \(x = 6\), \(y = 16\).
To find a formula that fits these points, let's calculate the change in \(y\) compared to the change in \(x\):
- From \(x = 0\) to \(x = 2\) (change of 2), \(y\) goes from \(-2\) to \(4\) (change of \(4 - (-2) = 6\)).
- From \(x = 2\) to \(x = 4\) (change of 2), \(y\) goes from \(4\) to \(10\) (change of \(10 - 4 = 6\)).
- From \(x = 4\) to \(x = 6\) (change of 2), \(y\) goes from \(10\) to \(16\) (change of \(16 - 10 = 6\)).
The change in \(y\) is consistently \(6\) for every change of \(2\) in \(x\), indicating a linear relationship.
Next, we can find the slope \(m\):
- \(m = \frac{\text{change in } y}{\text{change in } x} = \frac{6}{2} = 3\).
Now, we can express \(y\) in terms of \(x\) using the slope-intercept form, \(y = mx + b\), by first finding the \(y\)-intercept \(b\).
Using one of the points, say \((0, -2)\):
\[
-2 = 3(0) + b \implies b = -2.
\]
Thus, the equation is:
\[
y = 3x - 2.
\]
In function notation, we can express this as:
\[
f(x) = 3x - 2.
\]
Now, we can check if this equation fits the other points in the table:
- For \(x = 2\): \(f(2) = 3(2) - 2 = 6 - 2 = 4\) (correct).
- For \(x = 4\): \(f(4) = 3(4) - 2 = 12 - 2 = 10\) (correct).
- For \(x = 6\): \(f(6) = 3(6) - 2 = 18 - 2 = 16\) (correct).
Therefore, the correct equation describing the function in the table using function notation is:
\(f(x) = 3x - 2\).