<PRE><B>Question 320171</B>
A town census shows population of 2400 in 1980 and 3600 in 1990. If the exponential rate of population increase continues, what will be the population in 2010?

A town census shows population of 2400 in 1980 and 3600 in 1990. If the exponential rate of population increase continues, what will be the population in 2010?
-----
You have two points: (0,2400) and (10,3600) where x is # of years after 1980.
----------------------------
Form: y = ab^x
---
Using the 1st point you get:
2400 = ab^0
2400 = a
--------------------
Using that result and the 2nd point you get:
3600 = 2400*b^10
3/2 = b^10
b = (1.5)^(1/10) = 1.0414
------------------------------
If the exponential rate of population increase continues, what will be the population in 2010?
---
y = 2400*(1.0414)^30
y = 8100
===============
Cheers,
Stan H.


</PRE>