Let's analyze the problem step by step.
Problem Restatement
- Population decreases by 1 at the end of the 1st year.
- Population increases by 1 at the end of the 2nd year.
- Population decreases by 1 at the end of the 3rd year.
- Population at the end of the 3rd year is 44.
- We want to find the initial population of the city before these changes.
Step-by-Step Solution
Let the initial population be P.
-
After 1st year: Population decreases by 1
Population = P - 1 -
After 2nd year: Population increases by 1
Population = (P - 1) + 1 = P -
After 3rd year: Population decreases by 1
Population = P - 1
Given that the population at the end of the 3rd year is 44, we have:
P−1=44P-1=44P−1=44
Solving for PPP:
P=44+1=45P=44+1=45P=44+1=45
Final Answer
The initial population of the city was 45.