Question

Describe when to use a series and when to use an equation.

For example, when would you use: f(x) = 3x+5
and when would you use: score = 2 + 3n (where n is 1, 2, 3...)

Answer 1

An equation is used when we have paired sets of data to describe how the values in one pair change when we alter the values in the other set.

On the other hand, a series gives a general formula of determining the value of the nth observation when the values have been arranged in increasing order

Explanation:

An equation such as; y = 3x+5 models the relation between the response variable y and the predictor variable x. It tells us how y changes when x is altered by a certain magnitude. The value 3 is described as the slope while 5 is the y-intercept.

On the other hand, a series such as; score = 2 + 3n provides a general formula that can be used to determine the score of the nth individual in a sample or population.