1. **Problem:** Given points (-2,-6), (0,2), (2,5), (3,9), (4,26), (5,35) representing (x,y), find constants $a$ and $b$ such that $y = a \times x + b$ fits the data. 2. **Formula:** The linear equation is $y = ax + b$. 3. **Method:** Use two points to find $a$ and $b$. Choose points (-2,-6) and (0,2). 4. **Calculate slope $a$:** $$a = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{2 - (-6)}{0 - (-2)} = \frac{8}{2} = 4$$ 5. **Find $b$ using point (0,2):** $$2 = 4 \times 0 + b \Rightarrow b = 2$$ 6. **Equation:** $$y = 4x + 2$$ 7. **Verification:** Check point (2,5): $$y = 4 \times 2 + 2 = 8 + 2 = 10 \neq 5$$ So the points do not lie exactly on a line, but we found the line through (-2,-6) and (0,2). **Final answer:** $a = 4$, $b = 2$.