Final answer:
To find the population 8 years ago, we can set up an equation and solve for the original population. The population 8 years ago was approximately 37,000 people.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the population 8 years ago, we need to calculate the original population before the 35% increase. Let's assume the population 8 years ago was P.
Since the population has increased by 35% over the last 8 years, we can set up the equation: P + 0.35P = 50100
Simplifying the equation, we have: 1.35P = 50100
Divide both sides of the equation by 1.35 to solve for P: P ≈ 37000
Therefore, the population 8 years ago was approximately 37,000 people.