Question

The function D(N)=4.5+0.11n gives the average consumer debt, in thousands of dollars, where n represents the number of years since 2016. Write a sentence interpreting the slope in terms of the real situation.

Answer 1

In the year 2017, n = 1 and D(1) = 4.5 + 0.11(1) = 4.61

In the year 2018, n = 2 and D(2) = 4.5 + 0.11(2) = 4.72

In the year 2019, n = 3 and D(3) = 4.5 + 0.11(3) = 4.83

The slope of D(n) = 4.5 + 0.11n is 0.11 and it determines the gradual increase in the average consumer debt every year.