Table 7.7 gives the population of the United States at 10-year intervals for the years 1 950-2000.
(a) Assuming an exponential growth model of the form p(t) = cekt, where p(t) is the population at time t, use least squares to find the equation for the growth rate of the population.
(b) Use the equation to estimate the U.S. population in 2010.
Table 7.7
Year Population (in millions)
1950.......................150
1960.......................179
1970.......................203
1980.......................227
1990.......................250
2000.......................281