3. The linear equation

represents an estimate of the average cost of gas for year x starting in 1997 (“Consumer price index,” 2006). The year 1997 would be represented by x = 1, for example, because it is the first year in the study. Similarly, 2005 would be year 9, or x = 9.

a. What year would be represented by x = 4? 2001

b. What x-value represents the year 2018? x =21

c. What is the slope, or rate of change, of this equation?

d. What is the y-intercept?

e. What does the y-intercept represent?

f. Assuming this growth trend continues, what will the price of gasoline be in the year 2018? How did you arrive at your answer?

levern