A city has a population of 340,000 people. Suppose that each year the population grows by \( 5.5 \% \). What will the population be after 14 years? Use the calculator provided and round your answer to the nearest whole number.

To find the population after 14 years with an annual growth rate of 5.5%, we can use the formula for exponential growth: \[ P = P_0 \times (1 + r)^t \] where - \( P_0 \) is the initial population (340,000), - \( r \) is the growth rate (5.5%, or 0.055), and - \( t \) is the number of years (14). Plugging in the values: \[ P = 340,000 \times (1 + 0.055)^{14} \] Calculating: \[ P = 340,000 \times (1.055)^{14} \] \[ P = 340,000 \times 2.03443 \] (approximately) \[ P \approx 691,122.49 \] Rounding to the nearest whole number, the population after 14 years will be approximately **691,122**. Now, let's explore some exciting additional tidbits about this topic. Population growth isn't just a number game! Over time, communities adapt their infrastructure, health services, and educational resources to support an increasing population. This dynamic influences everything from city planning to investment opportunities. Imagine a bustling neighborhood where the sound of construction is a daily rhythm as new homes and businesses sprout up to meet demand! Did you know that different cities handle population growth in various ways? For example, some places invest heavily in sustainable urban development to accommodate growth while minimizing environmental impact. By reading further about urbanization and sustainable practices, you can discover fascinating insights into how cities evolve and respond to their changing populations!