Question

a towns population has been growing linearly. in 2003 the population was 34,000. the population has been growing by 1200 people each year. write an equation for the population, p, x years after 2003. use the formula to find the population in 2009: question help: video submit question

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the linear - equation form

The general form of a linear equation is $P = mx + b$, where $m$ is the slope (rate of change) and $b$ is the y - intercept (initial value). Here, the initial population in 2003 ($x = 0$) is $b=34000$, and the rate of growth (slope) $m = 1200$ people per year. So the equation is $P=1200x + 34000$.

Step2: Calculate the value of $x$ for 2009

The number of years from 2003 to 2009 is $x=2009 - 2003=6$.

Step3: Substitute $x$ into the equation

Substitute $x = 6$ into $P=1200x + 34000$. Then $P=1200\times6+34000=7200 + 34000=41200$.

Answer:

$P = 1200x+34000$
41200