The population of Texas was 17.0 million in 1990 and 19.8 million in 1998. Let \(x\) be the year (let 1990 be the base year; that is, \(x=0\) represents the year 1990 and \(x=8\) represents 1998) and \(y\) be the population. Use this information to write a linear equation, and then use this equation to predict the population of Texas in the year 2009. Compare with the actual 2009 population and comment.