To answer this question, we will use the following formula for exponential decrease:
![F=I(1-r)^t,](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/yuasrlnp0zphiwow632hp03jygtmcdvpu7.png)
where I is the initial population, F is the final population, r is the rate in decimal form, and t is the time in years.
Substituting r=0.03, I=26,000 and t=12, we get:
![F=26,000(1-0.03)^(12).](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/bd8pirjj6t8hufahf1sf599wcdmcvcrgmg.png)
Simplifying the above result, we get:
![F\approx18040.](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/k0oowa6gouwrf0errc3b3x79qrormi409c.png)
Answer:
![18040.](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/rfcdksybsl9mdvi5bgd9mdzq2qk0m7pho0.png)