In 2018, the population of West Littleton was 5,100. The following year, the population was 4,998.

Let t represent the number of years since 2018. Assuming the population continues to decrease exponentially, which expression best models the population of West Littleton over time?
a) 5,100(0.98)^t
b)5,100(1.02)^t
c)4,998(0.98)^t
d) 4,998(1.02)^t

According to this model, what will the population be in 2027?
Round your answer to the nearest whole number.
people

1 answer

a) 5,100(0.98)^t

To find the population in 2027, we need to find the number of years from 2018 to 2027, which is 9 years.

Using the given expression:
Population in 2027 = 5,100(0.98)^9
Population in 2027 = 5,100(0.81707)
Population in 2027 ≈ 4,158

Therefore, the population of West Littleton in 2027 will be approximately 4,158 people.