Question
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What is the equation of the curve of best fit shown in the graph? A. \( y=\frac{1}{2} x^{2}+\frac{5}{2} x+3 \) B. \( y=\frac{1}{2} x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} x+3 \) C. \( y=-\frac{1}{2} x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} x+3 \) D. \( y=-\frac{1}{2} x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} x-3 \)

Ask by Sanders Pena. in the United States
Mar 10,2025

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Answer

The equation of the best-fit curve is \( y = -\frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \).

Solution

1. The graph shows a quadratic curve. First, note whether the parabola opens upward or downward. Since the best fit curve opens downward, the coefficient of \( x^2 \) must be negative. This eliminates options A and B. 2. Next, examine the \( y \)-intercept. The graph indicates that the curve crosses the \( y \)-axis at \( y=3 \). Thus the constant term should be \( +3 \) rather than \(-3\). This rules out option D. 3. The remaining option is \[ y=-\frac{1}{2}x^2+\frac{1}{2}x+3, \] which fits both the downward opening and the \( y \)-intercept at 3. Therefore, the equation of the best-fit curve is \[ y=-\frac{1}{2}x^2+\frac{1}{2}x+3. \]

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Mind Expander

To find the equation of the curve of best fit that matches the shape of the graph, we can note that the highest degree term is quadratic, indicated by the presence of \(x^2\). Given that the curve likely opens downwards, we can rule out options that have a positive leading coefficient. Therefore, we will focus on the equations with a leading term of \(-\frac{1}{2} x^{2}\). Out of options C and D, we need to assess the y-intercept and the other coefficients to find the best match with the graph. As a little tip, check for common mistakes like overlooking the signs of coefficients and mistakenly assuming the curvature from the graph. Remember, sketching a rough shape can also help in visualizing which equation aligns best with the given data!

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