Final answer:
To find the previous population of the city, divide the current population, which is 27,900, by 0.62 to account for the 38% decrease, resulting in a previous population of 45,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the population of a city has decreased by 38% and the current population is 27,900, we need to calculate what the previous population was. Considering the current population as 62% of the original population (100% - 38% = 62%), we can set up an equation where 0.62 (62% in decimal form) times the original population (which we'll call 'P') equals 27,900. We solve for 'P' as follows:
- 0.62 * P = 27,900
- P = 27,900 / 0.62
- P = 45,000
The previous population of the city was 45,000.