Data Analysis: Renewable Energy The table shows the consumption (in trillions of Btus)

Chapter 7, Problem 71

(choose chapter or problem)

Data Analysis: Renewable Energy The table shows the consumption (in trillions of Btus) of solar energy and wind energy in the United States from 1998 to 2003. (Source: Energy Information Administration) (a) Use the regression feature of a graphing utility to find a quadratic model for the solar energy consumption data and a linear model for the wind energy consumption data. Let represent the year, with corresponding to 1998. (b) Use a graphing utility to graph the data and the two models in the same viewing window. (c) Use the graph from part (b) to approximate the point of intersection of the graphs of the models. Interpret your answer in the context of the problem. (d) Approximate the point of intersection of the graphs of the models algebraically. (e) Compare your results from parts (c) and (d). (f ) Use your schools library, the Internet, or some other reference source to research the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy.