Automobile Costs The data in the table show the variable costs of operating an

Chapter 1, Problem 11

(choose chapter or problem)

The data in the table show the variable costs of operating an automobile in the United States for 2000 through 2010, where  \(t\)  is the year, with t = 0 corresponding to 2000. The functions  \(y_{1}, y_{2}\),  and  \(y_{3}\) represent the costs in cents per mile for gas, maintenance, and tires, respectively. (Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics)

(a) Use the regression capabilities of a graphing utility to find cubic models for  \(y_{1}\)  and  \(y_{3}\),  and a quadratic model for  \(y_{2}\).

(b) Use a graphing utility to graph  \(y_{1}, y_{2}, y_{3}\),  and  \(y_{1}+y_{2}+y_{3}\)  in the same viewing window. Use the model to estimate the total variable cost per mile in 2014.

Text Transcription:

t

y_{1}, y_{2}  

y_{3}

y_{1}

y_{2}

y_{1}, y_{2}, y_{3}  

y_{1} + y_{2} + y_{3}