Can you help me create a linear model?

Question

I'm trying to help my son with algebra and he got the following problem. His in the 8th grade, but they are having him do HS algebra and he's having a difficult time.

The U.S. population in 1910 was 92 million people. In 1990 the population was 280 million. Create a linear model of the population from 1910 to 1990 with projected data points every 10 years, starting with 1900 as year 0. Include a table and equation, as well as all work neatly organized and labeled.

We can't figure out how the population is 280 in 1990, when we figured out there was a growth of 2.35 million per year. We did

280-92=188 million

1990-1910= 80 years

188/80 years + 2.35 million people per year

But when I add 2.35 million per year, it does not total 280 in 1990.

Also, how would I graph that? His math teacher is no help, and I am trying my best. Thank you so much for any help you can offer tonight!

Answer 1

let 0= 1900

let 1 = 1910

let 9= 1990

Instead of 1990-1910... find 9-1

The two points to find the model will be: (1, 92) and (9,280)

Maybe this will help you get started.