Question 87063
Since x represents the number of years after 1987, we can say that x=0 represents 1987, x=1 represents 1988, etc. So lets find out how many years have elapsed from 1987 to 2008


{{{2008-1987=21}}} Subtract 1987 from 2008


Since 21 years have passed (its 21 years after 1987), this means x=21 represents the year 2008. So to estimate the number of deaths, simply plug in {{{x=21}}} into the formula:


{{{y= 17.3 + 10.06*ln (x)}}}


{{{y= 17.3 + 10.06*ln (21)}}} Plug in {{{x=21}}}


{{{y= 17.3 + 10.06*3.0445}}} Evaluate the natural log of 21 to get 3.0445 with a calculator 
note: many calculators, if not all of them, denote natural log with the "ln" button.


{{{y= 17.3 + 30.62767}}} Multiply {{{10.06}}} and {{{3.0445}}} to get {{{30.62767}}}


{{{y=47.92767}}} Add  {{{17.3}}} and {{{30.62767}}} to get {{{47.92767}}}


So about 48,900 men (remember y represents thousands of men) are estimated to die from AIDS in 2008