Chapter 4.7, Problem 16PPS

To determine

To Graph:

Draw a step graph to represent the data in the table.

Explanation of Solution

Given Information:

The United States Postal Service increases the rate of postage periodically. The table shows the cost to mail a letter weighing 1 ounce or less from 1988 through 2007.

  

Graph:

Let

x -axis = Year

y- axis = Rate of postage

From the table:

  $y=\{\begin{array}{l}0.25:1988\le x<1991\\ 0.29:1991\le x<1995\\ 0.32:1995\le x<1999\\ 0.33:1999\le x<2001\\ 0.34:2001\le x<2002\\ 0.37:2002\le x<2006\\ 0.39:2006\le x<2007\\ 0.41:x=2007\end{array}$

So, there is an closed circle at (1988, 0.25) and a open circle at (1991, 0.25). Connect these points with a line. Graph the rest of the data in the table similarly.