US imports of crude oil and petroleum have been increasing. There have been many ups and downs, but the general trend is shown by the line in Figure 1.26.

(a) Find the slope of the line. Include its units of measurement.

(b) Write an equation for the line. Define your variables, including their units. 

(c) Assuming the trend continues, when does the linear model predict imports will reach 18 million barrels per day? Do you think this is a reliable prediction? Give reasons.

Figure 1.26

Transcribed Image Text:

US oil imports (million barrels per day) 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 AMMA 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 year