Question

The value, y, in USD of a particular stock for 4 days, x, is shown in the table.

days 0 1 2 3 4
stock value ($)
19.2 6.3 2 6.3 19.2
What type of function could be used to model the value, y, of the stock as a function of time, x?

(1 point)
Responses

linear function
linear function

exponential decay function
exponential decay function

exponential growth function
exponential growth function

quadratic function
quadratic function
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Answer 1

To determine the type of function that could model the stock value over the specified days, let’s analyze the given values:

- Day 0: $19.2
- Day 1: $6.3
- Day 2: $2.0
- Day 3: $6.3
- Day 4: $19.2

Looking at the data, the stock value shows a decreasing trend initially (from Day 0 to Day 2), reaching a minimum value of 2.0 on Day 2, and then it increases again to 6.3 on Day 3 and back to 19.2 on Day 4.

This pattern is not linear since it does not follow a straight line.

Given that the stock value decreases to a minimum and then increases again, the behavior of the stock price can resemble that of a quadratic function, which typically allows for a parabolic shape. In a quadratic function, you can have a decrease followed by an increase, which fits the data you provided.

Therefore, the best choice from the options given is:

**quadratic function**.