Super Bowl and R^2 Let x represent years coded as 1,1,3,... for years starting in 1980, and let y represent the numbers of points scored in each annual Super Bowl beginning in 1980. Using the data from 1980 to the last Super Bowl at the time of this writing, we obtain the following values of R^2 for the different models: linear: 0.008; quadratic: 0.023; logarithmic: 0.0004; exponential: 0.027; power: 0.007. Based on these results, which model is best? Is the best model a good model? What do the results suggest about predicting the number of points scored in a future Super Bowl game?

Finding the Best Model

In Exercises 5–16, construct a scatterplot and identify the mathematical model that best fits the given data. Assume that the model is to be used only for the scope of the given data, and consider only linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and power models.

Global Warming Listed below are mean annual temperatures (°C) of the earth for each decade, beginning with the decade of the 1880s. Find the best model and then predict the value for 2090–2099. Comment on the result.

Moore’s Law In 1965, Intel cofounder Gordon Moore initiated what has since become known as Moore’s law: The number of transistors per square inch on integrated circuits will double approximately every 18 months. In the table below, the first row lists different years and the second row lists the number of transistors (in thousands) for different years.

Ignoring the listed data and assuming that Moore’s law is correct and transistors per square inch double every 18 months, which mathematical model best describes this law: linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, power? What specific function describes Moore’s law?

Which mathematical model best fits the listed sample data?

Compare the results from parts (a) and (b). Does Moore’s law appear to be working reasonably well?

Finding the Best Model

In Exercises 5–16, construct a scatterplot and identify the mathematical model that best fits the given data. Assume that the model is to be used only for the scope of the given data, and consider only linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and power models.

CD Yields The table lists the value y (in dollars) of \$1000 deposited in a certificate of deposit at Bank of New York (based on rates currently in effect).

Finding the Best Model

In Exercises 5–16, construct a scatterplot and identify the mathematical model that best fits the given data. Assume that the model is to be used only for the scope of the given data, and consider only linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and power models.

Landing on the Moon When the Apollo spacecraft landed on the Moon, the rocket engine would typically cut off at about 1.3 meters above the surface so that hot gases and dust and other surface materials would not cause damage. The landing module was in freefall starting at about 1 meter above the surface. The table below lists the time t (seconds) after being dropped and the distance d (meters) travelled by an object dropped near the surface of the Moon.

Finding the Best Model

In Exercises 5–16, construct a scatterplot and identify the mathematical model that best fits the given data. Assume that the model is to be used only for the scope of the given data, and consider only linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and power models.

Population Growth Here are the values of the world population (billions) beginning with the year 2000:

Finding the Best Model

In Exercises 5–16, construct a scatterplot and identify the mathematical model that best fits the given data. Assume that the model is to be used only for the scope of the given data, and consider only linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and power models.

Richter Scale The table lists different amounts (metric tons) of the explosive TNT and the corresponding value measured on the Richter scale resulting from explosions of the TNT.

Finding the Best Model

In Exercises 5–16, construct a scatterplot and identify the mathematical model that best fits the given data. Assume that the model is to be used only for the scope of the given data, and consider only linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and power models.

Detecting Fraud Leading digits of check amounts are often analyzed for the purpose of detecting fraud. The accompanying table lists frequencies of leading digits from checks written by the author (an honest guy).