Look at this table:
x y
–
10
–
50
–
9
–
44
–
8
–
38
–
7
–
32
–
6
–
26
Write a linear function (y=mx+b) or an exponential function (y=a(b)x) that models the data.
y=
Based on the given data, it appears that the relationship between x and y is linear. We can determine the equation of the line by finding the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b).
Using the points (10, -50) and (6, -26):
m = (change in y)/(change in x) = (-26 - (-50))/(6 - 10) = 24/4 = 6
Using the point (10, -50):
y = mx + b
-50 = 6(10) + b
-50 = 60 + b
b = -50 - 60
b = -110
Therefore, the linear function that models the data is y = 6x - 110.