Question

a towns population has been growing linearly. in 2003 the population was 39,000. the population has been growing by 1200 people each year. write an equation for the population, p, x years after 2003. p = use the formula to find the population in 2009:

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the slope - intercept form

The linear equation is of the form $P = mx + b$, where $m$ is the rate of change and $b$ is the initial value.

Step2: Determine the values of $m$ and $b$

The initial population in 2003 ($x = 0$) is $b=39000$, and the population grows by 1200 people each year, so $m = 1200$. The equation is $P=1200x + 39000$.

Step3: Calculate the value of $x$ for 2009

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

Step4: Find the population in 2009

Substitute $x = 6$ into the equation $P=1200x + 39000$. So $P=1200\times6+39000=7200 + 39000=46200$.

Answer:

$P = 1200x+39000$
$46200$