Some problems give data tables that simply don't extend far enough to give the information you need. The problems require you to determine the pattern used in creating the table and then follow that pattern to find the solution.

Consider the following situation:

Steve is helping his mom by washing windows. She pays him for every window that he washes. The following table shows how much Steve can expect to earn based on the number of windows that he washes.

Based on the information in the table, how much should Steve expect to earn for washing 9 windows?

In this case the table doesn't give any information for more than 5 windows.

How can you determine the amount Steve will be earning for washing more than 5 windows?
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer Extend the table until you find the information you need.

How could you determine the amount Steve will earn for washing any number of windows?
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer The amount that Steve earns can be found by multiplying the number of windows by 0.50.

Copy the following extended table into your notes and then use your rule to fill in the missing information:

Windows	Process	Pay
1	1(0.50)	0.50
2	2(0.50)	1.00
3	3(0.50)	1.50
4	4(0.50)	2.00
5	5(0.50)	2.50
6	6(0.50)	3.00
7	7(0.50)	3.50
8	8(0.50)	4.00
9	9(0.50)	4.50
10	10(0.50)	5.00

How much will Steve earn for washing 9 windows?
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer Steve will earn $4.50 for washing 9 windows.

Write the rule that you used to fill in the extended table as an equation that you could use to calculate p, the amount that Steve earns for washing w windows.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer p = (0.50) w

Use your new equation to check the answer you found from the table.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer p = (0.50) w
p = (0.50) 9
p = 4.5
Steve will be paid $4.50 for washing 9 windows.