Question

is this function linear, quadratic, or exponential?

x | y
4 | 24.3
5 | 31.3
6 | 38.3
7 | 45.3
8 | 52.3

linear quadratic exponential

Explanation:

Step1: Check x-value increments

The x-values increase by a constant: $5-4=1$, $6-5=1$, $7-6=1$, $8-7=1$

Step2: Check first differences of y-values

Calculate differences between consecutive y-values:
$31.3-24.3=7$, $38.3-31.3=7$, $45.3-38.3=7$, $52.3-45.3=7$

Step3: Classify the function

Linear functions have constant first differences.

Answer:

linear