Answer:
Calculate the first differences between the y-values:
As the first differences are not the same, we need to calculate the second differences:
As the second differences are the same, the relationship between the variable is quadratic and will contain an
term.
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To determine the quadratic equation
The coefficient of
is always half of the second difference.
As the second difference is 2, and half of 2 is 1, the coefficient of
is 1.
The standard form of a quadratic equation is:
(where a, b and c are constants to be found).
We have already determined that the coefficient of
is 1.
Therefore, a = 1
From the given table, when
,
.
Finally, to find b, substitute the found values of a and c into the equation, then substitute one of the ordered pairs from the given table:
Therefore, the quadratic equation for the given ordered pairs is: