We want to know when the two equations will have the same y value.
For college a: y = .025x +1.45
For college b: y = .037x + 1.186
Setting the equations equal
.025x +1.45 = .037x +1.186
Subtract .025x from each side
.025x-.025x +1.45 = .037x-.25x +1.186
1.45 = .012x +1.186
Subtract 1.186 from each side
1.45-1.186 = .012x +1.186-1.186
.264=.012x
Divide each side by .012
.264/.012 = .012x/.012
22 =x
Since the starting year is 1990, add 22 years to that year
1990+22 =2012
The year will be 2012 when they have the same enrollment
Now to find out what the enrollment is
y = .025x+1.45
Substitute x=22
=.025(22)+1.45
=.55+1.45
=2
Since y is in the thousands
2*1000 = 2000
There will be 2000 students