Question

What exponential function is the best fit for the data in the table?

Answer 1

Answer:

   f(x)=1/4(4)^(x-1) -4

Step-by-step explanation:

The negative value for x=2 tells you that the vertical offset cannot be positive. That rules out the 1st and 3rd choices.

You can try x=2 in the remaining functions to see which works:

  f(2) = 4(4^(2-1)) -4 = 12 ≠ -3 . . . . . . . . the 2nd choice does not work

  f(2) = (1/4)(4^(2-1) -4 = -3 . . . . . . . . . . the 4th choice matches the table