Decide whether the data in the table represent a linear function or an exponential function. explain how you know.
x y
1 162
2 54
3 18
4 6
5 2
a. the data represent an exponential function because there is a common ratio of 3.
b. the data represent a linear function because there is a common difference of 108.
c. the data represent a linear function because there is a common difference of –108.
d. the data represent an exponential function because there is a common ratio of 1/3.

Solution:

1. We will plot the points on the coordinate plane, if they lie in a line it means they are linear.

2. Find the slope between each two points ,if you don't want to plot these points on coordinate plane,then by using the formula of slope between two points which is , = ,if slopes are same between any two points it means these points are collinear.

As you can see in the coordinate plane that these points are not collinear.

Now ,

It means this is a geometric progression because

Option D : The data represent an exponential function because there is a common ratio of 1/3. is true statement.

assuming this is from a math graphing problem.

7 would be on the x-axis which is the horizontal line on the graph

84 would be on the y-axis which is the vertical line on the graph

what is the question