- #1
bobraymund
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Homework Statement
(a) Use a graphing calculator or computer to fit an exponential function to the data. Graph the data points and the exponential model. How good is the fit?
(b) Estimate the rates of population growth in 1800 and 1850 by averaging slopes of secant lines.
(c) Use the exponential model in part (a) to estimate the rates of growth in 1800 and 1850. Compare these estimates with the ones in part (b).
(d) Use the exponential model to predict the population in 1870. Compare with the actual population of 38,558,000. Can you explain the discrepancy?
Homework Equations
Year Population
1790 3,929,000
1800 5,308,000
1810 7,240,000
1820 9,639,000
1830 12,861,000
1840 17,063,000
1850 23,192,000
1860 31,443,000
The Attempt at a Solution
I understand part B, you would just do the population in 1800 - population in 1790 all divded by 1800 - 1790... etc. etc..
However, part A and consequently parts C and D are confusing me...
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob