the number N of state and federal inmates in million during year x, where x2002 can be approximated by the following formula:
N=0.03x-58.71
determine the year in which there was 1.5 million inmates

Question

the number N of state and federal inmates in million during year x, where x>2002 can be approximated by the following formula:
N=0.03x-58.71
determine the year in which there was 1.5 million inmates

anonymous · Answer

solve for $x$
$$1.5=0.03x-58.71$$

anonymous · Answer

remove annoying decimals by multiplying everything by 100 to get $$150=3x-871$$

anonymous · Answer

oops 
$$150=3x-5871$$  is more like it

anonymous · Answer

Plug in N, solve for X

1.5 = 0.03x - 58.71

adding 58.71 to each side

60.21 = 0.03x

dividing by 0.03

2007 = X