The number N of state and federal inmates in millions during year x, where (w/line under) 2002 can be approximated by the following formula.
N=0.05x-98.85
Determine the year in which there were 1.5 million inmates

Question

The number N of state and federal inmates in millions during year x, where >(w/line under) 2002 can be approximated by the following formula. 
N=0.05x-98.85
Determine the year in which there were 1.5 million inmates

anonymous · Answer

You want N to equal 1.5, so you can set up an equation: 1.5 = 0.05x-98.85. Solving this yields x=2007.

anonymous · Answer

okay but my thing is how did you get 2007?

anonymous · Answer

Here's the steps to solving that equation:
1.5 = 0.05x-98.85
Add 98.85 to both sides to isolate the variable on the right.
100.35 = 0.05x
Divide both sides by 0.05 (you might need a calculator for this part)
2007=x

anonymous · Answer

Thank you