A table of values shows a list of the values for an independent variable, x, matched with the related dependent value, y. In many cases, an equation can be used to relate the two values. If you know the equation, you can easily generate a table of values.

If you are given the table of values, you must determine how the two values are related and then write an equation that shows the relationship.

x y
-2 -1
-1 0
0 1
1 2
Arrow from table to explanation of table.

When looking at the relationship between the y-values and the x-values, it's easy to see that each y-value is 1 more than the x-value. Therefore, the equation that describes this relationship is y = x + 1.