Apopulation increased 8% up to 972. what was the population before the increase?

The population before the increase was 894.

37ˣ = 12 

STEP 1:

Take log of both sides of equation log (37)ˣ = log 12

STEP 2: 

Use the log law: 

log aˣ = x log (a)

log (32)ˣ = log 12
x log (32) = log (12)

STEP 3:

The rest is manipulating Algebra

x log (32) = log (12)
x = log (12) ÷ log (32)
x = 0.72 (rounded to two decimal places)