The honeybee dataset contains data collected from the USDA on the estimated number of honeybee colonies (in thousands) for the years 1995 through 2012. We use technology to find that a regression line to predict number of thousand) colonies from year (in calendar year) is:
Colonies = 19, 291,511-8.358(Year)
a. Interpret the slope of the line in context as done in the textbook.
b. Often researchers will adjust a year explanatory variable such that it represents years since the first-year data were collected. Why might they do this? (Hint: Consider interpreting the y-intercept in this regression line.)
c. Beginning with the equation and showing the steps, predict the bee population in 2100. State why or why not this prediction is appropriate.