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The following time series represent the total population of the United States, in thousands, over the last 12 years.

Year

Population (in 000s)

1991

253,493

1992

256,894

1993

260,255

1994

263,436

1995

266,557

1996

269,667

1997

272,912

1998

276,115

1999

279,295

2000

282,434

2001

285,545

2002

288,600

1) Refer to the table above.

a. Use a 2-period moving average to forecast the population of the United States in 2003.

b. Use a 3-period moving average to forecast the population of the United States in 2003.

c. Which averaging period provides a better historical fit based on the MAD criterion?