In 1977, the price of a scientific calculator was $175. In 2004, the price was $15. Assuming the change in price was linear, what was the approximate price of a scientific calculator in 1998? * help please*

Question

In 1977, the price of a scientific calculator was $175. In 2004, the price was $15. Assuming the change in price was linear, what was the approximate price of a scientific calculator in 1998?  * help please*

anonymous · Answer

If it's linear, the price $P(t)$ as a function of time $t$ will be given as follows for some constants $a$ and $b$ (this is by definition of a linear function).  Use the given information to find the values of the constants, and then use the function itself to find the value you need.$$\huge P(t)=at+b$$

anonymous · Answer

thats a time period of 27 years, so $175 to $15 in 27 years, that is $160 decrease over 27 years that means it decreased about $5.93 a year for 27 years to 2004 so to 1998 that means 6 years, 15 + (6 * 5.93) $50.58

anonymous · Answer

You can graph this pretty easily, as i have tried to do, but it was to difficult to use these site draw tools :) but the idea is there, just label prices on the y axis and years on the x axis, but use accurate spacings in the years, prices (1998, 2000, 2002 etc).

My graph is not accurate!! just to give you an idea :)

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