Question

Which type of function best models the data in the table?

Time and Growth Data

This table presents Time vs. Growth values to identify the function that most accurately models the given dataset
Time (days) Growth (inches)
1
0

3
12

5
32

7
60

(1 point)
Responses

exponential
exponential

linear
linear

quadratic
quadratic

cubic
cubic

Answer 1

Quadratic.

Reason: With x spaced evenly (1,3,5,7), first differences of growth are 12, 20, 28, and the second differences are constant (20−12 = 8, 28−20 = 8). Constant second differences indicate a quadratic. (The quadratic is y = x^2 + 2x − 3, which also fits all points.)