PreCalculus

Question

Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. In 1970 the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was 325 ppm and in 2010, the concentration of carbon dioxide had risen to 387 ppm. 

a. Determine a linear function for the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

b. Interpret the slope of the linear function.

c. Use the linear function to predict the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 2020.

Answer 1

Let x = the year

Let y = the carbon dioxide concentration

 

Use the liner regression on your graphing calculator.  TO do this, press STAT and then press ENTER.  In the first column input the year and in the second column, input the carbon dioxide concentration.  After that, press STAT, go to CALC, and press the number 4.  Hit ENTER.  You will get your results.

 

Use the solution in part a to solve parts b and c.