The function #p= n(1+r)^t# gives the current population of a town with a growth rate of #r#, #t# years after the population was #n# . What function can be used to determine the population of any town that had a population of 500 people 20 years ago?

1 Answer
Nov 30, 2017

Population would be given by #P=500(1+r)^20#

Explanation:

As population #20# years ago was #500#

rate of growth (of the town is #r# (in fractions - if it is #r%# make it #r/100#)

and now (i.e. #20# years later

population would be given by #P=500(1+r)^20#