Chapter 2, Problem 37RE

High School Graduates The following table shows the number, in millions, graduating from high school in the United States in the given year. Year Number graduating in millions 1985 2.83 1987 2.65 1989 2.47 1991 2.29 a. By calculating difference, show that these data can be modeled using a linear function. b. What is the slope for the linear function modeling high school graduations? Explain in practical terms the meaning of the slope. c. Find a formula for a linear function that models these data. d. Express, using functional notation, the number graduating from high school in 1994, and then use your formula from part c to calculate that value.

The number of people afflicted with the common cold in the winter months dropped steadily by 50 each yearsince 2004 until 2010. In 2004, 875 people were inflicted. Find the linear function that models the number of people afflicted with the common cold C as a function of theyear, t. When will no one be afflicted?

5- -5 5 -5- Determine the values of a, b, c, and d so the function (a - a) (x + 1) (x + b) (x- c) (x + d) (x + 3) f (x) = correctly model the graph. (a, b, c, and d are all whole numbers) a = 5,