Answer: The population three years ago was 156250.
Explanation:
Let 3 years ago, the population of a city = P
Rate of growth (R) = 8% p.a.
Present population (P) = 1,96,830.
Therefore,

P = A÷(1 + 8/100)³
196830 ÷ (1+2/25)³
=156250.
3 years ago, the population of the city = 156250.