A quadratic and an exponential function were fitted to a data set. Their residual plots are shown in the following graphs. Which function is the better fit?

The Exponential function provides a better fit of the data.

Step-by-step explanation:

The closer the data points come to forming a straight line when plotted, the higher the correlation between the two variables, or the stronger the relationship.  In comparing the scatterplots of Quadratic and Exponential functions, it is obvious that the points are clustered closer together in the Exponential function, while the data points on the Quadratic Function are more spread out.

Therefore, the Exponential function provides a better fit of the data set.