So first you have to find slope, which is m.
m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)
m = (18.72 - 17.60) / (2002 - 2001)
m = 1,12/1
m = 1
Now you know what slope is, you take slope intercept form, and put in m and either of the x,y values given to find b. I'm going to use the first set of (2001,17.60) for x and y.
y = mx + b
17.60 = 1(2001) + b
17.60 - 2001 = b
-1983.4 = b
Now take the slope intercept formula again and just input m and b for your answer:
y = x - 1983.4