college algebra word question

Question

The population of a small town in central Florida has shown a linear decline in the years 2001-2011. In 2001 the population was 35700 people. In 2011 it was 28200 people.

A)  Write a linear equation expressing the population of the town, , as a function of , the number of years since 2001. Include the entire equation as your answer. 

B) If the town is still experiencing a linear decline, what will the population be in 2014?

Answer 1

A) P(t)=35700 - 750t

B) P(13)=35700 - 750(13) = 35700 - 9750 = 25,950 in 2014

For arriving at 750 subtract the 2011 population from the 2001 population and divide by 10

35700-28200=7,500 Divide by 10: 7500/10=750 decrease per year