A trend, or a pattern of change, can help you make a projection. A projection is a prediction of how the data will change in the future based on the patterns of change in the past and the present.

In his first year of business, Ken had only a few customers. By Year 4 his business had grown so much that he hired an assistant. Now he wants to know whether he should consider hiring another employee in the next couple of years.

Look at the patterns. The graph shows two trends—a sharp increase in business from Year 1 to Year 4 and a leveling off from Year 4 to Year 6.

Now make a prediction for the future. Ken’s business will probably hold steady over the next couple of years. Should Ken hire another employee?  Why or why not?