The population of a certain small town is growing according to the function
P(t) = 12,500(1.02)t where t represents time in years since the last census. Use the function to determine the population on the day of the census (when t = 0) and estimate the population in 6 years from that time.

Question

The population of a certain small town is growing according to the function
P(t) = 12,500(1.02)t where t represents time in years since the last census. Use the function to determine the population on the day of the census (when t = 0) and estimate the population in 6 years from that time.

anonymous · Answer

i already got the answer for when (t=0) i need help with the question of 6 years from that time. my answer should equal 14,077 but how?

geerky42 · Answer

"t represents time in years"

"estimate the population in 6 years from that time."

So basically, just substitute t to 6 and solve.

geerky42 · Answer

$$P(6) = 12,500(1.02)^6$$

anonymous · Answer

@geerky42  yes but that answer doesnt round off to 14,077. and that's what my book says the answer is.

geerky42 · Answer

Are you sure you calculated correctly? It is approximately 14,077.

anonymous · Answer

@geerky42  let me try it again.

geerky42 · Answer

What answer did you get?

anonymous · Answer

@geerky42 i got it :) i was multiplying the six instead of multiplying 1.02 six times. thank you!

geerky42 · Answer

You're welcome :)