Math Problem Statement

Determine whether the function given by the table is linear, exponential, or neither. If the function is linear, find a linear function that models the data; if it is exponential, find an exponential function that models the data. The table is as follows: | x | f(x) | |----|------| | -1 | 3 | | 0 | 5 | | 1 | 10 | | 2 | 15 | | 3 | 25 |

Solution

Let's analyze the table to determine whether the function is linear, exponential, or neither. Here's the data provided:

xxf(x)f(x)
-13
05
110
215
325

Step 1: Check for Linearity

A linear function has a constant rate of change (difference between successive f(x)f(x) values).

  • Between x=1x = -1 and x=0x = 0: f(x)=53=2f(x) = 5 - 3 = 2
  • Between x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1: f(x)=105=5f(x) = 10 - 5 = 5
  • Between x=1x = 1 and x=2x = 2: f(x)=1510=5f(x) = 15 - 10 = 5
  • Between x=2x = 2 and x=3x = 3: f(x)=2515=10f(x) = 25 - 15 = 10

The differences are not constant. Therefore, the function is not linear.

Step 2: Check for Exponentiality

An exponential function has a constant ratio between successive f(x)f(x) values.

  • Ratio between x=1x = -1 and x=0x = 0: 5/31.675 / 3 \approx 1.67
  • Ratio between x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1: 10/5=210 / 5 = 2
  • Ratio between x=1x = 1 and x=2x = 2: 15/10=1.515 / 10 = 1.5
  • Ratio between x=2x = 2 and x=3x = 3: 25/151.6725 / 15 \approx 1.67

The ratios are not constant. Therefore, the function is not exponential.

Step 3: Conclusion

The function is neither linear nor exponential.

Would you like further assistance or more examples related to this topic?

Here are 5 follow-up questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you formally derive equations for functions that are neither linear nor exponential?
  2. Can the given data represent a quadratic function? How can we verify this?
  3. What methods can be used to approximate non-linear and non-exponential data?
  4. How do you graph a set of values like this to analyze its behavior visually?
  5. What are other types of functions that can model this data?

Tip: When analyzing a function, always check for constant differences or ratios first to simplify your work.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Functions
Exponential Functions
Rate of Change
Ratios

Formulas

Linear function: y = mx + b
Exponential function: y = a * b^x

Theorems

Constant Rate of Change for Linear Functions
Constant Ratio Property for Exponential Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11