Answer
The model $ 2 $ is better description and it overestimates by $ \$ 26 $
Work Step by Step
(a.) The given two mathematical models are
model $ 1 : $ $ C=442x+12,969 $
and
model $ 2 : $ $ C=2x^2+390x+13,126 $
Where $ C $ is cost $ x $ years after $ 1990 $ of what ost $ \$10,000 $ in $ 1984 $.
The average cost of tuition for $ 1990 $ is
$ x=1990-1990= 0 $
Plug the value $ x=0 $ into both models.
model $ 1 : $
$ C(0)=442(0)+12,969 $
Simplify.
$ C(0)= 12,969 $
From the graph the value $ C(0) = \$ 13,100 $.
Therefore the model 1 underestimates by $ 13,100 - 12,696 = 404 $
model $ 2 : $
$ C(0)=2(0)^2+390(0)+13,126 $
Simplify.
$ C(0)=13,126 $
From the graph the value $ C(0) = \$ 13,100 $.
Therefore the model $ 2 $ Overestimates by $ 13,126 - 13,100 = 26 $
