Tables

Tables

Tables

Example 1

Find the equation that models this table in standard form.

x

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

y

12

9

7

6

6

7

9

Step 1. Find the second difference.

x

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

y

12

9

7

6

6

7

9

TablesEx1-1

Step 2. Find the a-value.

The a-value is found by dividing the second difference by 2.

TablesEx1-2

Step 3. Find the c-value.

The c-value is the constant, or the point where y = 0.

In this table, c = 7.

Step 4. Find the b-value.

Substitute a and c into the equation and solve for b.

TablesEx1-3

Step 5. Substitute a, b and c into the equation.

TablesEx1-4