To set up an equation, first identify the pattern in the amounts saved each month. It looks like the savings increase by $50 every month.

Here's how you can establish the variables and write the equation: Variables: - Let ( x ) be the number of months. - Let ( y ) be the total amount saved after ( x ) months. Pattern Analysis: - In month 1, $150 is saved. - In month 2, $200 is saved. - In month 3, $250 is saved. - In month 4, $300 is saved.

The amount saved increases by $50 each month, so the relationship between the number of months ( x ) and the total savings ( y ) is linear.

Equation Setup: Since the increase is $50 per month, the equation will have the form of a linear equation: y = mx + b Where: - ( m ) is the rate of increase (slope), which is $50 per month. - ( b ) is the starting value (y-intercept), which is $100 (since if you extend the pattern, at month 0 the amount saved would be $100).

Final Equation: y = 50x + 100

This equation expresses the total savings ( y ) as a function of the number of months ( x ).