the net sales of a company are shown in the graph. estimate the average rate of change for 2003 to 2007…

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the formula for average rate of change

The formula for the average rate of change of a function (y = f(x)) over the interval ([x_1,x_2]) is (\frac{f(x_2)-f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1}). Here, (x) represents the number of years since 2000. For the years 2003 ((x_1 = 3)) and 2007 ((x_2=7)), and (f(x_1)=5.79), (f(x_2) = 7.04).

Step2: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute (x_1 = 3), (x_2=7), (f(x_1)=5.79), (f(x_2) = 7.04) into the formula (\frac{f(x_2)-f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1}). We get (\frac{7.04 - 5.79}{7 - 3}). First, calculate the numerator: (7.04-5.79=1.25). Second, calculate the denominator: (7 - 3=4). Then, (\frac{1.25}{4}=0.3125).

Step3: Round the result

Round (0.3125) to two decimal places. Using the rounding rule (if the third - decimal digit is 5 or more, we round up the second - decimal digit), (0.3125\approx0.31).

Answer:

(0.31)