Homework It is very common to fit an exponential function p(t)=aebt to a set of data points by finding the least squares linear approximation to the logarithm of the data. This gives an approximation log(p(t)), from which we obtain p(t).

The cost of first class postage for one ounce as a function of time is given at the right (USA Today, November 14, 2000). Use the scheme described to fit an exponential function to this data and use it to predict:

1. the cost of a first class stamp on January 1, 2050;

2. when, if ever, the cost of a stamp will be $10.

{Round the data to the nearest year.}