Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Given the populations P (in thousands) of a certain town in North Carolina, from 2006 through 2012 modeled by
P = 5.5e^kt,
If in 2008, the population was 7000. then;
at t = 2, P = 7000
7 = 5.5e^2k
7/5,5 = e^2k
1.2727= e^2k
Apply ln to both sides
ln 1.272 = lne^2k
ln 1.272= 2k
0.2411 = 2k
k = 0.2411/2
k = 0.1206 (to 4dp)
By 2018, the time t = 12 (2006-2018)
Substitute
P = 5.5e^(0.1206)(12)
P = 5.5e^(1.4468)
P = 5.5(4.2495)
P = 23.3722
P = 23372
Hence the population after 12 years is approx 23,372 populations