16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardChoosing between models from a scatterplot description

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A scatterplot shows a town's population every ten years from 1900 to 2000. The points rise slowly at first and then more and more steeply, with each decade's increase larger than the last. Which type of model best fits the data?

  1. A. An increasing exponential modelCorrect
  2. B. An increasing linear model
  3. C. A decreasing exponential model
  4. D. A constant model

Answer: A. An increasing exponential model

Increases that grow each decade are the mark of exponential growth.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. An increasing linear model
Linear growth would add the same amount each decade.
C. A decreasing exponential model
The population is rising.
D. A constant model
The population changes.

More Problem-Solving and Data Analysis questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.