For the years 1996 to 2000, it was estimated that Medicare costs (in billions of dollars) would rise in a linear fashion. See the graph below. (Source: U.S. Office of Management and Budget)

(a) Use the midpoint formula to approximate Medicare costs during the year 1998.
(b) Find the slope of the line and explain its meaning in the context of this situation.

Question

For the years 1996 to 2000, it was estimated that Medicare costs (in billions of dollars) would rise in a linear fashion. See the graph below. (Source: U.S. Office of Management and Budget)
  
(a) Use the midpoint formula to approximate Medicare costs during the year 1998.
(b) Find the slope of the line and explain its meaning in the context of this situation.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of For the years 1996 to 2000, it was estimated that Medicare costs (in billions of dollars) would rise in a linear fashion. See the graph below. (Source: U.S. Office of Management and Budget)
  
(a) Use the midpoint formula to approximate Medicare costs during the year 1998.
(b) Find the slope of the line and explain its meaning in the context of this situation.

For the Years 1996 to 2000, It Was Estimated That