Answer
(a) A linear model is appropriate for the data. The scatter plot is seen in the image.
(b) $y = 1116.64x + 60188.33$. The regression line is seen in the image.
(c) $79171$ and $90338$ thousands of barrels of oil per day respectively.
Work Step by Step
(a) The data can be approximated by a straight line, thus a linear model is appropriate. The scatter plot is made by plotting the points in the table.
(b) Using technology, the linear regression equation is found to have $m = 1116.64$ and $b \approx 60188.33$. Thus the equation is:
$y = 1116.64x + 60188.33$
Points on this function are plotted and joined to find the graph.
(c) In 2002, there has been 17 years since 1985. In 2012, there has been 27 years since 1985.
Respectively, we input those years into the equation:
$y = 1116.64(17) + 60188.33 \approx 79171$
$y = 1116.64(27) + 60188.33 \approx 90338$
