The graph displays the number of associate degrees conferred in the United States at the end of selected academic years. The variable $x$ represents the number of years since the study began, and the variable $y$ represents the number
of associate degrees in thousands.
(GRAPH CANT COPY)
a. Use the points $(20,455)$ and $(34,665)$ to create a linear model of the data.
b. What does the slope mean in the context of this problem?
c. If this linear trend continues, estimate the number of associate degrees that will be conferred in the United States
for year 45.