The linear equation
y=0.15x+0.79
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? 2006
b. What x-value represents the year 2018?
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?