3.2 Second Differences

From a table of values, how can you tell that you have a quadratic relation?

• The first differences are all the same.

• The second differences are all the same.

• The first differences are different.

• All the y values are positive.

• All the x values are negative.

How do you calculate the second differences in a table of values?

• Subtract each y value by the one that came before it to create the first differences. Then subtract each first difference by the one that came before it to create the second differences.

• Subtract each y value by the one that came after it to create the first differences. Then subtract each first difference by the one that came after it to create the second differences.

• Subtract each x value by the one that came before it to create the first differences. Then subtract each first difference by the one that came before it to create the second differences.

• Subtract each x value by the one that came after it to create the first differences. Then subtract each first difference by the one that came after it to create the second differences.

Is this an example of a quadratic relation?

• Yes

• No

Is this an example of a quadratic relation?

• Yes

• No

This is an example of a quadratic relation. Calculate its second differences.

• -4

• 7

• -7

• 6

• -6