For questions 3–4, which kind of function best models the data in the table? Use differences or ratios.

x
y
0
–1
1
–0.5
2
0
3
0.5
4
1
(1 point)
A) linear
B)quadratic
C) exponential
D) none of these

3 answers

To determine the type of function that best models the data in the table, we can examine the differences or ratios between consecutive y-values.

For differences:
The differences between the consecutive y-values are as follows:
-1 - (-1) = 0
-0.5 - (-1) = 0.5
0 - (-0.5) = 0.5
0.5 - 0 = 0.5
1 - 0.5 = 0.5

The differences between consecutive y-values are constant, which suggests a linear relationship.

For ratios:
The ratios between the consecutive y-values are as follows:
-1 / -1 = 1
-0.5 / -1 = 0.5
0 / -0.5 = 0
0.5 / 0 = undefined
1 / 0.5 = 2

The ratios between consecutive y-values are not constant, indicating that it is not an exponential relationship.

Based on the analysis of both the differences and ratios, we can conclude that a linear function best models the data in the table.

Therefore, the answer is A) linear.
(x , y ) points are (0 -1) (1 -.5) (2 , 0) (3, .5) (4,1)
slope of each other point from (0 ,-1) = (change in y / change in x)
m1 = (-.5 +1) / (1 - 0) = .5/1 = 1/2
m2 = (0 + 1) / (2 -0) = 1/2
....
m 5 = (1 + 1) / (4 - 0) = 1/2
remarkable, slope is 1/2 from the first point no matter where you look.
I think it might be a straight line.
Yes, you are correct! The fact that the slope between any two points remains constant (1/2 in this case) indicates a linear relationship. Therefore, a straight line equation would best model the data in the table. Well done!