Question

the following scatter plot shows the billions of dollars spent by travelers in the united states since 1993. write an equation for the line of best fit and then predict how much money travelers will spend in 2008. a. y = 2x + 330; travelers will spend about $410 billion in the year 2008. b. y = 2x + 320; travelers will spend about $350 billion in the year 2008. c. y = 20x + 320; travelers will spend about $620 billion in the year 2008.

Explanation:

Step1: Find the slope

The two - point formula for slope $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. Using points $(1.5,350)$ and $(4,400)$, $m=\frac{400 - 350}{4 - 1.5}=\frac{50}{2.5}=20$.

Step2: Find the y - intercept

Use the point - slope form $y - y_1=m(x - x_1)$ with point $(1.5,350)$ and $m = 20$. $y-350=20(x - 1.5)$, $y-350=20x-30$, $y=20x + 320$.

Step3: Calculate years since 1993 for 2008

$2008-1993 = 15$ (years).

Step4: Predict spending

Substitute $x = 15$ into $y=20x + 320$. $y=20\times15+320=300 + 320=620$ (billion).

Answer:

C. $y = 20x+320$; travelers will spend about $620$ billion in the year 2008.