Final answer:
The town's growth factor is 1.07, representing a 7% annual increase. The equation P=32400*(1.07)^t models the town's population growth. The town's population was approximately 45,716 in 2010, and would be approximately 88,995 in 2020.
Step-by-step explanation:
The growth factor for a rate of increase of 7% is 1.07. This is because a growth factor of 1 represents 100% (the initial amount), and an additional 0.07 represents the 7% increase.
An exponential equation that models the population growth can be written as P = P0 * (1.07)^t, where P0 is the initial population, 1.07 is the growth factor, and t represents time in years. In this case, since the initial population (P0) in 2005 was 32,400, the equation becomes P = 32400 * (1.07)^t.
To find the population in 2010, we calculate P = 32400 * (1.07)^5, as 2010 is 5 years after 2005. Using this calculation, the population in 2010 is approximately 45,716.
To find the population in 2020, we calculate P = 32400 * (1.07)^15, as 2020 is 15 years after 2005. Using this calculation, the population in 2020 would be approximately 88,995.
Learn more about Exponential Growth