16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumRecognising a linear function's constant rate

Algebra practice question

Which of the following tables could represent a linear function?

  1. A. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 5, 8, 11, 14Correct
  2. B. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 1, 4, 9, 16
  3. C. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 2, 4, 8, 16
  4. D. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 10, 8, 7, 5

Answer: A. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 5, 8, 11, 14

A linear function changes by the same amount for each unit step in x. Table A rises by 3 each step.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 1, 4, 9, 16
Rises by 3, 5, 7 — the squares, not linear.
C. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 2, 4, 8, 16
Doubles each step — exponential.
D. x: 1, 2, 3, 4 — y: 10, 8, 7, 5
Falls by 2, 1, 2 — not constant.

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