Question

The number of state and federal inmates in millions during year x, where x ≥ 2002 can be approximated by the following formula. N= 0.04x – 78.84. determine the year in which there were 1.4 million inmates. It was in the year___

Answer 1

N just represents the number of inmates in millions.

So we'd set N equal to 1.4
1.4 = 0.04x - 78.84

Do some algebra. Add 78.84 to both sides and then divide by .04 and voila! you got your answer.