Population The population (in thousands) of Buffalo, New York, from 2000 to 2014 can be approximated by the model , , where represents the year, with corresponding to 2000 (see figure). (Source: U. S. Census Bureau) The image consists of a visual representation of a graph. A line is graphed on a t y coordinate plane. The horizontal axis represents Year (0 ¬is 2000), and the vertical axis represents Population (in thousands). The line joinss the points (0, 291), and (15, 255).
Graphically estimate the -intercept of the graph.

Find algebraically and interpret the -intercept of the graph.

Use the model to predict the year in which the population will be . Does your answer seem reasonable? Explain.