Question

The table shows the estimated number of deer living in a forest over a five-year period. Which type of function best models the data? Write an equation to model the data.

Year Estimated population
0 100
1 79
2 62
3 49
4 39

A. linear; y = 0.79x + 100
B. quadratic; y = 100x^2 + 0.79
C. exponential; y = 100 * 0.79^x
D. quadratic; y = 0.79x^2 + 100

Answer 1

There are multiple ways to do this problem, but since you are given options, I think the easiest is to plug in the year as the x values and see which equation gives you numbers closest to the data.

Answer 2

For example, y = .79*0 + 100 reduces to 100. So, the first data point is consistent. Is the second one?

Answer 3

I don't know..

Answer 4

Ok.The next data point is (1,79). So that means when you plug in 1 for x, you should get something close to 79 for y. We are looking at the linear function first, so y = .79*1 +100. This reduces to y=100.79 which is not particularly close to 79.

Answer 5

So, we can rule out the linear equation and try another one.

Answer 6

I have to go. Good luck!

Answer 7

ok thanks

Answer 8

But I'll be back on later, so let me know what progress you make on it. :)

Answer 9

ok, see ya :)

Answer 10

I think its c

Answer 11

That's what I get. :) Great work!