Finding a model for data

Question

I'm so confused by this question! Please help!

Find a model for the data below. Assume x is the number of years since 2004.

 

Data

 

2004- 1 Million users

2009- 250 Million users

2010- 600 Million users

2012- 1 Billion users

 

Answer 1

First you need to graph this data.  Be sure the x-axis is divided accurately.

 

Are you finding the model by hand or using a calculator or computer?

 

Your data points will be (0,1), (5, 250), (6, 600) and (8, ?)  What do your class use for a billion?    Some people say it 1000 millions.  Others say it is a million millions.  

 

Look at the graph of the data and decide what shape it is.  Is it linear? parabolic? logarithmic?  exponential? something else?

 

You will need to get the basic general form for each  equation. ex.  a line is y = ax + b

 

When you are asked for a math model, they want the equation that describes the data.  What method did you learn in class?