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

Question

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

exponential decay function
exponential decay function

quadratic function
quadratic function

exponential growth function
exponential growth function

linear function

Answer 1

To determine the appropriate function type for modeling the stock value as a function of time based on the given values:

days:             0      1      2      3      4
stock value ($):  19.2   6.3    2      6.3    19.2

We can observe the values of the stock over the days. The stock value decreases significantly from day 0 to day 2, reaching a minimum at day 2, and then returns to the same value on days 0 and 4, indicating a possible periodic or oscillatory behavior.

Given the non-linear nature of these changes, the values do not fit a linear model, nor do they follow consistent exponential growth or decay patterns.

Therefore, based on this behavior, a quadratic function could potentially model this oscillation more accurately, as quadratic functions can represent curves that rise and fall.

So the best response from the options provided would be:

quadratic function.