Question

1. which equation best represents the data in the table below?

x	-2	-1	0	1	2
y	4	1	0	1	4

a. $y = x^2$
b. $y = -x^2$
c. $y = x$
d. $y = -x$

Explanation:

Step1: Test Option A ($y = x^2$)

Substitute $x = -2$: $y = (-2)^2 = 4$, matches the table.
Substitute $x = -1$: $y = (-1)^2 = 1$, matches.
Substitute $x = 0$: $y = 0^2 = 0$, matches.
Substitute $x = 1$: $y = 1^2 = 1$, matches.
Substitute $x = 2$: $y = 2^2 = 4$, matches.

Step2: Test Option B ($y = -x^2$)

Substitute $x = -2$: $y = -(-2)^2 = -4
eq 4$, does not match.

Step3: Test Option C ($y = x$)

Substitute $x = -2$: $y = -2
eq 4$, does not match.

Step4: Test Option D ($y = -x$)

Substitute $x = -2$: $y = 2
eq 4$, does not match.

Answer:

A. $y = x^2$