Charlie used a regression calculator to generate the
equation f(x) = -0.15x + 20.1 for the ordered pairs (2,
15), (4, 21), (6, 26), (8, 20), and (10, 14).
Is a linear representation the best way to represent the
data? If it is, explain why. If not, explain why and suggest
a better alternative.

Answer below, let me know if it didn't make sense.  

Step-by-step explanation:

I attached a picture of the scatterplot with a line connecting the points.  There is a definite upside down u type shape, and it doesn't look close to a line at all, so linear is not a good choice.  

an upside down u shape (or right side up u shape for that matter) is exactly what a quadratic is, or any polynomial if you do it right, but quadratic is the simplest, so let's go with that.

the smallest possible measurement of the width is 14 feet

step-by-step explanation:

let's assume length of parallelogram is 'l'

width of parallelogram is 'w'

the perimeter of a parallelogram must be no less than 40 feet

so, we get

we are given

length of parallelogram is 6 feet

so,

l=6

we can plug it

now, we can solve for w

subtract both sides by 12

divide both sides by 2

and we get

so,

the smallest possible measurement of the width is 14 feet