Find an equation for the population, P, of the school t years after 2000. (Let t = 0 correspond to the year 2000.)

Question

In 2004, a school population was 1063. By 2008 the population had grown to 1731. Assume the population is changing linearly.

 

 

 

Find an equation for the population, P, of the school t years after 2000. (Let t = 0
correspond to the year 2000.)

 

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Answer 1

OK. t=0 at the year 2000.

 

When t=4, P=1063.

When t=8, P=1731.

 

It's a linear function, so

 

m = slope = rise / run = (1731 - 1063) / 4 = 167

 

P = 167 t + b

 

Substitute either of your known points to get b, then you're done. Cheers!