Look at this table:

x y

2 6.5

1 2.6
0

1.3
1

5.2
2

9.1
Write a linear function (y=mx+b) or an exponential function (y=a(b)x) that models the data.
y=

1 answer

Based on the given table, it appears that a linear function would best fit the data since the values of y are changing with a consistent rate.

To find the linear function, we need to find the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b).

First, let's find the slope using the first two points (-2, 6.5) and (-1, 2.6):

m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
m = (2.6 - 6.5) / (-1 - (-2))
m = (2.6 - 6.5) / (-1 + 2)
m = (-3.9) / (1)
m = -3.9

Now, let's find the y-intercept using one of the points and the slope:

y = mx + b
2.6 = -3.9(-1) + b
2.6 = 3.9 + b
b = 2.6 - 3.9
b = -1.3

Therefore, the linear function that models the data is:

y = -3.9x - 1.3