The population y (in thousands) of Buffalo, New York, from 2000 to 2014 can be approximated by the model y = ˆ’2.60t + 291.7, 0 ‰¤ t ‰¤ 14, where t represents the year, with t = 0 corresponding to 2000 (see figure). (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

(a) Graphically estimate the y-intercept of the graph.
(b) Find algebraically and interpret the y-intercept of the graph.
(c) Use the model to predict the year in which the population will be 239,000. Does your answer seem reasonable? Explain.

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300 290 - 280 270 260 250 240 230 ++++ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Year (0 + 2000) Population (in thousands)