Find linear equation in slope-intercept form

Question

Can someone help me write this linear equation in slope-intercept form? My previous attempts have been sent back as incorrect and I am at a total loss.

Current Population of US is 317,000,000
Current National Debt is $17,000,000,000
For the purpose of this project, assume that population growth is a linear function that grows at a steady, unchanging rate of 0.9% per year, and that debt growth is a linear function that grows at a steady, unchanging rate of 13% per year.
1. Use the population and debt figures above. Show all of you work.
2. Find the linear equation for population in slope-intercept form.
3. Find the linear equation for debt in slope intercept form.

Answer 1

Hi Shannon,

 

These are not linear equations.  These are geometric equations.

 

If they were linear there would be a constant change amount each year but each of these has a constant change %.

 

 

the equation for population growth would be

 

y = (1.009)^x * 317,000,000   (x is the year number x= 0 is the current year

 

the equation for the debt  would be

 

y = (1.13)^x * 17,000,000,000   (x is the year number x= 0 is the current year

 

Hope this helps

 

 

OK, one other possibility is that the percentages are used to create a constant change value

 

.009 * 317000000 = 285300

 

and then

 

y = 285300x + 317000000

 

 

.13 * 17000000000 = 2210000000

 

y = 2210000000x + 17000000000