The first table, representing <em>f</em>(<em>x</em>), is linear. The data have a constant rate of change or slope: <em />(between the first two points): <em>m</em> = (<em>y</em>₂ - <em /><em>y</em>₁)/(<em>x</em>₂ - <em>x</em>₁) = (22-18)/(-1--2) = 4/(-1+2) = 4/1 = 4. The rate of change between any two points is the same: (between the last two points):<em> m</em> = (34-30)/(2-1) = 4/1 = 4.
The second table, representing <em>g</em>(<em>x</em>), is exponential. The data points are multiplied by the same constant between successive points. 2*2 = 4; 4*2= 8; 8*2 = 16, etc.
