Assume that the sales of a certain appliance dealer can be approximated by a straight line. Suppose that sales were $13,500 in 1982 and $65,000 in 1987. Let x = 0 represent 1982. Find the equation
Giving yearly sales S.
A)S = 51,500x + 65,000
B)S = 51,500x + 13,500
C)S = 10,300x + 65,000
D)S = 10,300x + 13,500

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the equation of the line, we first calculate the slope (m) using the formula $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$, where $y_2 = 65,000$, $y_1 = 13,500$, $x_2 = 1987 - 1982 = 5$, and $x_1 = 0$. So, $m = \frac{65,000 - 13,500}{5} = 10,300$. The equation of the line is $S = mx + b$, where $b$ is the y-intercept, which is the sales in 1982 or $13,500. Therefore, the equation is $S = 10,300x + 13,500$.

Assume That the Sales of a Certain Appliance Dealer Can