Q:

the michigan veteran population in 1990 was 14.2% and in 2000 was 12.4%. a) Let y represent the percent of Michiganders who were veterans and x represent the years since 1990. Find a linear model of this situation,rounding to two decimal places.

Accepted Solution

A:
Since we are given two ordered pairs or points, therefore we can use the point-slope formula to create the linear model. Β  The general equation is in the form of: y = mx + b where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept Β  The slope can be calculated as: m = (y2 – y1) / (x2 – x1) m = (12.4 – 14.2) / (2000 – 1990) m = -0.18 Β  SO: y = -0.18x + b Β  Choosing any ordered pair to calculate for b: 12.4 = -0.18(2000) + b b = 372.4 Β  Hence, y = -0.18x + 372.4 Β