Final answer:
To determine if a function is logarithmic, exponential, or quadratic by looking at a table, you can examine the patterns in the values of the function as the input increases.
Step-by-step explanation:
By looking at a table, you can determine if a function is logarithmic, exponential, or quadratic by examining the patterns in the values of the function as the input increases. Here are some key indicators:
Logarithmic:
- If the ratio of consecutive outputs is constant, the function is logarithmic. For example, if the ratio of f(x+1) to f(x) is always the same, then the function is logarithmic.
- If the outputs increase by smaller increments as the input increases, the function is logarithmic. For example, if f(x+1) - f(x) is always smaller than f(x+2) - f(x+1), then the function is logarithmic.
Exponential:
- If the ratio of consecutive outputs is increasing or decreasing exponentially, the function is exponential. For example, if the ratio of f(x+1) to f(x) increases or decreases at a constant rate, then the function is exponential.
- If the outputs increase by larger increments as the input increases, the function is exponential. For example, if f(x+1) - f(x) is always larger than f(x+2) - f(x+1), then the function is exponential.
Quadratic:
- If the outputs increase by a constant difference as the input increases, the function is quadratic. For example, if f(x+1) - f(x) is always the same, then the function is quadratic.
- If the ratio of consecutive outputs is increasing or decreasing at a constant rate, the function may be quadratic. For example, if the ratio of f(x+1) to f(x) increases or decreases at a constant rate, the function may be quadratic.