Question

. In 1993, Americans recycled 43.8 million tons of solid waste. In 2001, the figure grew to
68.0 million tons. Let N (t) = the number of tons recycled, in millions, and t = the number of years since 1993.

a) Find a linear function that fits the data

Answer 1

t = 0, N = 43.8
t = 8, N = 68

slope = (68 - 43.8)/(8 - 0) = 24.2/8 = 3.025

so N = 3.025t + 43.8