Question

A linear function maps input numbers to output numbers.

Complete the input-output table for this function.
Input
1
2
5
10
Output
4
10
28
n

Answer 1

Explanation:

after a little bit of thinking and experimenting we find that the function multiplied x by 6 and subtracts 2.

y = 6x - 2

formally, we find this by using the normal linear form

y = ax + b

and we use the given data points to find a and b.

4 = a×1 + b = a + b

10 = a×2 + b = 2a + b

so, by adding a on one side and adding 6 on the other side, we keep the balance.

therefore, a = 6

the first equation gives us then

4 = 6 + b

b = -2

and that's it.

so,

for x = 10 we get as output (y)

6×10 - 2 = 58

for x = n we get as output (y)

6n - 2