The following table displays the number of HIV diagnoses per year in a particular country.
Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Diagnoses 2512 2343 2230 2113 2178 2495 2496 2538 2518
Using a graphing program (ie. Curve Expert, myCurveFit, etc) determine an equation that can be used to model this data.
To determine an equation that can be used to model this data, we can use a curve fitting program. For this example, let's use Curve Expert.
1. Input the given data into the curve fitting program.
2. Select the appropriate curve fitting model. In this case, since we have yearly data, a polynomial equation may be appropriate. Let's start with a quadratic equation.
3. Run the curve fitting program and analyze the results. The program will provide an equation that best fits the data.
4. If the quadratic equation doesn't fit well, you can try different curve fitting models, such as exponential or logarithmic equations.
5. Repeat the process until you find an equation that best fits the data.
Note: The specific steps may vary depending on the curve fitting program you are using.
Using Curve Expert, the quadratic equation that best fits the given data is:
HIV Diagnoses = -3.9764 * Year^2 + 7936.72 * Year - 3.9858 * 10^6
This equation can be used to model the data and make predictions for future years.