1. **State the problem:** Given the table of points $(2,7)$, $(0,3)$, $(-2,-1)$, and $(-4,-5)$, determine which of the given linear equations matches the data. 2. **Recall the formula for a line:** The general form is $y = mx + b$, where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the y-intercept. 3. **Calculate the slope $m$ using two points:** Using points $(2,7)$ and $(0,3)$: $$m = \frac{7 - 3}{2 - 0} = \frac{4}{2} = 2$$ 4. **Find the y-intercept $b$ by substituting one point into $y = mx + b$:** Using point $(0,3)$: $$3 = 2 \times 0 + b \implies b = 3$$ 5. **Write the equation:** $$y = 2x + 3$$ 6. **Verify with other points:** For $x = -2$: $$y = 2(-2) + 3 = -4 + 3 = -1$$ For $x = -4$: $$y = 2(-4) + 3 = -8 + 3 = -5$$ Both match the table values. **Final answer:** The equation that fits the table is $$y = 2x + 3$$.