To understand the problem, let's break it down step-by-step.
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Population function interpretation: The function \( f(n) = 495 + 44n \) represents the population of the town \( n \) years after 1950.
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Finding the population in 1950: In 1950, \( n = 0 \). \[ f(0) = 495 + 44 \cdot 0 = 495 \] Thus, the population of the town in 1950 was 495.
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Finding the projected population in 2030: To find the population in 2030, we first need to determine how many years after 1950 that is. \[ 2030 - 1950 = 80 \] This means \( n = 80 \) for the year 2030.
Now, substitute \( n = 80 \) into the population function: \[ f(80) = 495 + 44 \cdot 80 \] Calculate \( 44 \cdot 80 \): \[ 44 \cdot 80 = 3520 \] Now add this to 495: \[ f(80) = 495 + 3520 = 4015 \]
So, the projected population of the town in 2030 is 4015.