Final answer:
To estimate the population of the town in 8 years, we use the exponential growth formula P(8) = 4100 * 2^(8/10), yielding an estimated population of approximately 7134 residents.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the future population of a town given its initial population and doubling time, we use the formula for exponential growth. Since the town has a doubling time of 10 years, and we want to find the population at 8 years, we will use the formula P(t) = P0 * 2^(t/D), where P(t) is the future population, P0 is the initial population, t is the time in years, and D is the doubling time.
Using this formula:
- P0 = 4100 (initial population)
- t = 8 (years)
- D = 10 (doubling time in years)
The calculation is therefore:
P(8) = 4100 * 2^(8/10)
First, calculate 8/10, which is 0.8, and then raise 2 to the power of 0.8, and finally multiply this by 4100.
To find 2 raised to the power of 0.8, we can use a calculator. This gives us approximately 1.74. Now multiply 4100 by 1.74:
P(8) = 4100 * 1.74 = 7134
Therefore, the estimated population of the town in 8 years will be approximately 7134 residents.