Step 1 :We are given two points (0,52.7) and (4,61.3) and asked to model the data with a linear function. The linear function can be represented as \(y = mx + c\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(c\) is the y-intercept.
Step 2 :We calculate the slope using the formula \((y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)\). Here, \((x1, y1) = (0, 52.7)\) and \((x2, y2) = (4, 61.3)\).
Step 3 :The slope \(m\) is approximately 2.15.
Step 4 :We substitute one of the points into the equation \(y = mx + c\) to find the y-intercept \(c\).
Step 5 :The y-intercept \(c\) is 52.7.
Step 6 :The linear function that models the data is \(y = 2.15x + 52.7\).
Step 7 :To find the value of \(y\) when \(x = 6\) (which represents the year 2001), we substitute \(x = 6\) into the equation.
Step 8 :The value of \(y\) is approximately 65.6.
Step 9 :\(\boxed{\text{The linear function that models the data is } y = 2.15x + 52.7. \text{ When } x = 6 \text{ (which represents the year 2001), the value of } y \text{ is approximately 65.6. However, the actual data given in the table for the year 2001 is 70.6. Therefore, the linear function does not perfectly fit the actual data.}}\)