To determine the year when the per capita income was $24,000, we need to solve the equation \( f(x) = 24,000 \) for \( x \). Given the function \( f(x) = 1000(x - 1980) + 15,000 \), we can set it equal to $24,000 and solve for \( x \).
We are given the function for per capita income:
\[
f(x) = 1000(x - 1980) + 15,000
\]
We need to determine the year \( x \) when the per capita income was \$24,000. Therefore, we set up the equation:
\[
1000(x - 1980) + 15,000 = 24,000
\]
First, subtract 15,000 from both sides of the equation:
\[
1000(x - 1980) = 24,000 - 15,000
\]
\[
1000(x - 1980) = 9,000
\]
Next, divide both sides by 1000:
\[
x - 1980 = \frac{9,000}{1000}
\]
\[
x - 1980 = 9
\]
Finally, add 1980 to both sides to solve for \( x \):
\[
x = 9 + 1980
\]
\[
x = 1989
\]