Which Function Is It?

Modeling From Tables

Example 1

Find the family of functions that models the data given in the table.

ModelTableEx1-1

Step 1. Is there a common first difference?

Since the x-values are in an increment of 1, focus on the y-values. The first difference between each pair of consecutive y-values is +4.

ModelTableEx1-2

This means the table can be modeled by a linear function.