1. **State the problem:** We need to write an equation for the population $P$ of a town $x$ years after 2003, given that the population was 40,000 in 2003 and grows by 2200 people each year. 2. **Formula for linear growth:** The population grows linearly, so we use the formula: $$P = P_0 + rx$$ where $P_0$ is the initial population, $r$ is the rate of growth per year, and $x$ is the number of years after 2003. 3. **Identify values:** Here, $P_0 = 40000$ and $r = 2200$. 4. **Write the equation:** $$P = 40000 + 2200x$$ 5. **Find the population in 2009:** Since 2009 is 6 years after 2003, substitute $x=6$: $$P = 40000 + 2200 \times 6$$ $$P = 40000 + 13200$$ $$P = 53200$$ **Final answer:** The population equation is $P = 40000 + 2200x$ and the population in 2009 is 53200.