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

cubic
cubic

exponential
exponential

quadratic
quadratic

linear

Answer 1

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

The data points from the table are:
- (1, 5)
- (4, 14)
- (7, 23)

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

1. **From 1 to 4 inches**: The number of plants increases from 5 to 14 (difference of 9).
2. **From 4 to 7 inches**: The number of plants increases from 14 to 23 (difference of 9).

Since the difference between the number of plants is consistent (the increase is the same), this suggests a linear relationship. A linear function typically results in a straight line when graphed.

Thus, the best model for this data is likely a **linear** function.