Which statement best explains whether the equation y = 3x2 represents a linear or nonlinear function?

A: The equation represents a linear function because it has an independent and a dependent variable, each with an exponent of 1.

B: The equation represents a linear function because its graph contains the points (−1, 3), (0, 0), and (1, 3), which are on a straight line.

C: The equation represents a nonlinear function because it has an independent and a dependent variable, each with an exponent of 1.

D: The equation represents a nonlinear function because its graph contains the points (−1, 3), (0, 0), and (1, 3), which are not on a straight line.