Question

Which type of function best models the data in table?

Rainfall and Number of Plants Data

Rainfall (inches) Number of Plants
1
5

4
14

7
23



(1 point)
Responses

linear
linear

quadratic
quadratic

exponential
exponential

cubic

Answer 1

To determine which type of function best models the data provided, we can analyze the relationship between rainfall (in inches) and the number of plants.

Given the data:

- At 1 inch of rainfall, there are 5 plants.
- At 4 inches of rainfall, there are 14 plants.
- At 7 inches of rainfall, there are 23 plants.

We can observe the differences in the number of plants as the rainfall increases:

- From 1 to 4 inches: the increase is \(14 - 5 = 9\).
- From 4 to 7 inches: the increase is \(23 - 14 = 9\).

The increase in the number of plants is constant (9 plants) for the increases in rainfall of 3 inches. This suggests a linear relationship because the changes in number of plants is consistent per unit increase of rainfall.

Thus, the relationship can be modeled by a linear function.

The best answer would be:

**linear**