Modeling Real-World Data

Question 1

How do you find which type of Parent Function would best model a given data set?

Answer 1

You look at the constant differences or the ratios.

Question 2

How do you see if a Data Group conforms to a Polynomial Function?

Answer 2

You find the differences between the y’s.

Question 3

If all of the First Differences are equal, what kind of Function does the data conform to?

Answer 3

A Linear function.

Question 4

If all of the Second Differences are equal, what kind of Function does the data conform to?

Answer 4

A Quadratic function.

Question 5

If all of the Ratios are the same, what kind of Function does the data conform to?

Answer 5

An Exponential function.

Question 6

When can you not look at the Differences of a Data Set?

Answer 6

When the differences of the x’s aren’t constant.

Question 7

How can you solve a Data Group with inconstant x’s?

Answer 7

You can use a scatter plot and a calculator.