The number of pending corporate fraud cases stood at 545 at the beginning of 2008 (t = 0) and was 726 at the beginning of 2012. The growth was approximately linear.†

Question

The number of pending corporate fraud cases stood at 545 at the beginning of 2008 (t = 0)

 and was 726 at the beginning of 2012. The growth was approximately linear.†

1) Derive an equation of the line passing through the points A(0, 545)

 and B(4, 726). (Let t be the independent variable and y be the dependent variable.)

2) Use the equation found in part (a) to estimate the number of pending corporate fraud cases at the beginning of 2019. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)

 cases

Answer 1

the slope is (726-545)/4 = 45.25 cases annually

The linear equation is y=45.25x + 545

for 2019, x=11, so y = 1042.75