The straight-line trend \(y = 64 + 3.5(x - 2021)\) is fitted by the method of least squares to the number of members \(y\) (in hundreds) of a club for the years \(x\) = 2018 to 2024. The trend value of the number of members (in hundreds) for the year 2026 is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → 81.5
The trend value for any year is found by putting that year for \(x\) in the trend line. For \(x = 2026\):
\(x - 2021 = 5\)
\(y = 64 + 3.5 \times 5\)
\(= 64 + 17.5\)
\(= 81.5\)
So the trend value for 2026 is 81.5 hundred members.