given a set of data, what steps would you take to identify whether the data showed linear or exponential…

Brief Explanations:

1. First, plot the data points on a graph. If the points seem to form a straight - line, it may be linear growth.
2. Calculate the differences between consecutive y - values for evenly spaced x - values. In linear growth, these differences (first - differences) are constant.
3. For exponential growth, calculate the ratios of consecutive y - values for evenly spaced x - values. These ratios are constant in exponential growth.

Answer:

1. Plot the data.
2. Calculate first - differences (for linear).
3. Calculate ratios of consecutive values (for exponential).