The function f (x) = 14,600 (1.1) x represents the population of a town x years after it was established. What was the original population of the town?

I would have to assume that the correct form of the formula is:

f (x) = 14,600 (1.1) ^x

where x is time in years and is an exponent of (1.1)

Since we are finding for the original population, therefore x = 0

f (x) = 14,600 (1.1) ^0

Any number raised to the power of 0 is just equal to 1. Therefore:

f (x) = 14,600

The original population is 14,600.