Which equation is represented by the function?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which equation corresponds to the given set of x and y values in the table. To solve it, we need to determine the relationship between x and y from the table and see which of the provided equations matches this relationship.
Answer
$y = -x - 3$
Answer for screen readers
The equation represented by the function is $y = -x - 3$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the problems with x and y values
Start by organizing the provided values from the table. The pairs are:
- When $x = -4$, $y = 1$
- When $x = 1$, $y = -4$
- When $x = 6$, $y = -9$
- When $x = 11$, $y = -14$
- Calculate the slope (m) between points
To find a linear relationship, use the formula for slope:
$$ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} $$
Let's calculate the slope between the points $(-4, 1)$ and $(1, -4)$:
$$ m = \frac{-4 - 1}{1 - (-4)} = \frac{-5}{5} = -1 $$
Thus, the slope $m = -1$.
- Write the equation in point-slope form
Use the point-slope form of a linear equation:
$$ y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) $$
Using point $(1, -4)$:
$$ y - (-4) = -1(x - 1) $$
Simplifying:
$$ y + 4 = -x + 1 $$
$$ y = -x + 1 - 4 $$
$$ y = -x - 3 $$
- Choose the correct equation
Now compare the derived equation $y = -x - 3$ with the answer choices given:
- $y = -x - 3$
- $y = -x + 3$
- $y = x + 3$
- $y = x - 3$
The correct equation is $y = -x - 3$.
The equation represented by the function is $y = -x - 3$.
More Information
This linear equation indicates a negative slope, meaning for every unit increase in $x$, the value of $y$ decreases by 1. This matches the trend observed in the provided data points.
Tips
- Confusing the slope calculation: Ensure to subtract the $y$ values and $x$ values correctly.
- Not simplifying the equation correctly: Recheck steps when converting forms.