Question

Determine whether the data described in the tables is best modeled by a linear function or an exponential function.

Answer 1

Answer:

Electric car = Exponential function (decreasing cost)

Gasoline car = Exponential function (increasing cost)

Step-by-step explanation:

The given data the Electric car, we have;

Time (years)   ${}$     Cost (thousands of dollars)

0                           ${}$      35

5                           ${}$      27

10                           ${}$     21

15                           ${}$     16

20                           ${}$    12.5

The difference between successive term is such that each term decreases by approximately the same percentage given as follows

1st and 2nd term (35 - 27)/35 × 100 ≈ 22.8571% decrease

2nd and 3rd term (27 - 21)/27 × 100 ≈ 22.222% decrease

3rd and 4th term (21 - 16)/21 × 100 ≈ 23.81% decrease

4th and 5th term (16 - 12.5)/16 × 100 ≈ 21.875% decrease

Therefore. the electric car is best approximated by exponential function

The given data the Gasoline car, we have;

Time (years)   ${}$     Cost (thousands of dollars)

0                           ${}$      35

5                           ${}$      40.2

10                           ${}$    46.3

15                           ${}$    53.2

20                           ${}$    61.2

The difference between successive term is such that each term increases by approximately the same percentage given as follows

1st and 2nd term (40.2 - 35)/35 × 100 ≈ 14.857% decrease

2nd and 3rd term (46.3 - 40.2)/40.2 × 100 ≈ 15.174% decrease

3rd and 4th term (53.2 - 46.3)/46.3× 100 ≈ 14.9% decrease

4th and 5th term (61.2 - 53.2)/53.2× 100 ≈ 15.03% decrease

Therefore. the Gasoline car is best approximated by exponential function