The population of a town increased by 15% in 2016, and decreased by 5% in 2017. if the population of the town was 60,000 in the beginning of 2016, then what was it at the end of 2017?

65,550.

Step-by-step explanation:  

We have been given that the population of a town increased by 15% in 2016, and decreased by 5% in 2017.

Since an exponential is in form: .  

For growth b=(1+r), where r in rate in decimal form.  

For decrease b=(1-r), where r in rate in decimal form.

Let us find the population increase in 2015.

Therefore, the population at the end of year 2016 will be 69,000.

Now let us find population decrease of 5% in year 2017.

Therefore, the population at the end of year 2017 will be 65,550.