(a) Original population was 19000/(2^(25/10)) = = 3359 (rounded). ANSWER
2.5 here is the number of doubling periods in 25 years.
(b) Population in 7 years from now will be 19000*2^(7/10) = = 30866 (rounded). ANSWER
= 0.7 here is the number of doubling periods in 7 years.
Solved.
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Added after seening the post by @Boreal.
In this problem, all the data are presented in terms of a doubling period.
It assumes, that the entire solution should be made in these terms.
It really can be done in terms of doubling period, and a good style ASSUMES that it will be done in these terms.
Transition to another forms of an exponential model is possible, in principle, but it means
performing UNNECESSARY calculations, where you can make errors and may lose a precision in your calculations.
Therefore, I strongly recommend to solve such problems in terms of doubling periods.
Again: when the input data are in terms of doubling period, it is logically right way to make all calculations in this frame.
Doing another way, you perform TONS of unnecessary calculations and create unnecessary problems for yourself
and do everything to lower your reputation.