The Following Table Contains United States Population Data for the Years

question 81

Essay

The following table contains United States population data for the years 1981-1990, as well as estimates based on the 1990 census. $$\begin{array}{l}\begin{array} { | c | c | } \hline \text { Year } & \begin{array} { c } \text { U.S. Population } \\\text { (millions) }\end{array} \\\hline 1981 & 229.5 \\\hline 1982 & 231.6 \\\hline 1983 & 233.8 \\\hline 1984 & 235.8 \\\hline 1985 & 237.9 \\\hline 1986 & 240.1 \\\hline 1987 & 242.3 \\\hline 1988 & 244.4 \\\hline 1989 & 246.8 \\\hline 1990 & 249.5 \\\hline\end{array}&\begin{array} { | c | c | } \hline \text { Year } & \begin{array} { c } \text { U.S. Population } \\\text { (millions) }\end{array} \\\hline 1991 & 252.2 \\\hline 1992 & 255.0 \\\hline 1993 & 257.8 \\\hline 1994 & 260.3 \\\hline 1995 & 262.8 \\\hline 1996 & 265.2 \\\hline 1997 & 267.8 \\\hline 1998 & 270.2 \\\hline 1999 & 272.7 \\\hline 2000 & 275.1 \\\hline\end{array}\end{array}$$
Source: U.S. Census Bureau website
(a) Make a scatter plot for the data and use your scatter plot to determine a mathematical model of the U.S. population.(b) Use your model to predict the U.S. population in 2003.

---

Definitions:

Clay Figurines

Small sculpted figures made of clay, often used as decorative items or collectibles.

Fixed Manufacturing Cost

Costs that do not vary with the level of production output, such as rent, property taxes, and salaries of permanent employees.

Relevant Range

The span of activity levels within which the assumptions made about cost behavior and business operations are valid.

Variable Cost

Financial outlays that change directly with changes in production or sales amounts, such as direct labor and raw materials.