Final answer:
The previous population was 27,500.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the previous population, we need to calculate the population decrease.
Let's assume the previous population was P.
We know that the current population is 35,200.
Since the population has increased by 28%, we can write the equation:
P + 28% of P = 35,200
Simplifying the equation:
P + 0.28P = 35,200
Combining the terms:
1.28P = 35,200
Dividing both sides by 1.28:
P = 35,200 / 1.28
Calculating the value of P:
P = 27,500
Therefore, the previous population was 27,500.