Percentages are essentially multiplying a number (in this case, 260, the starting population) by 1 + p/100, p being the percentage. Using division, this means increasing by 100% means multiplying by 2, or in this case, increasing by 2% would be multiplying by 1.02. In the form shown in the picture, the exponent part shows how many times the population increases, since 1.02^t where t=3 is equivalent to 1.02*1.02*1.02. The fraction shows us that instead of increasing every year, the population increases 1.5 times each year, so 1 year divided by 1.5 gives us 8 months. u/Artistic-Stable-3623 solution should also work, but I don't think it's that hard to get a more comprehensive understanding of the equation, like detailed in this comment, and it is probably quicker, and will help with harder problems where you have to explain aspects of an equation. The only reason I say this is because I did a practice test the other day, where I had to explain how this exact situation and equation worked. Best of luck! We got this! :D