Example 1

Which type of function models the data best—linear, logarithmic, or exponential?

Connect the points with a smooth curve. Since the points do not fall along a line, the function is not linear. The graph appears to approach a horizontal asymptote, so an exponential function models the data best.

Image Long Description

Example 2

Which type of function models the data best—quadratic, logarithmic, or cubic?

• Step 1 Press stat begin box , stat , end box   enter begin box , enter , end box  to enter the data in lists.
• Step 2 Use the stat plot begin box , statplot , end box  feature to draw a scatter plot.
• Step 3 If you connect the points with a smooth curve, the end behavior of the graph is up and up. The graph is not cubic or logarithmic, so the quadratic function best models the data.